The Canada Jobs Report for October 2025 delivered encouraging results. Employment increased by 67,000, the employment rate rose to 60.8%, and the unemployment rate declined to 6.9%. These results mark the second consecutive month of gains, reinforcing a stable labour market that supports workers, communities, and employers across the country.

Canada Jobs Report October 2025 Highlights

October’s lift came from two groups in particular. Men ages 25 to 54 added 33,000 jobs, while youth ages 15 to 24 added 21,000. Part-time roles grew in October after a strong full-time gain in September, so the two months together show balanced momentum. Private sector employment increased by 73,000, the first sizeable rise since June, while public sector and self-employment held steady. Average hourly wages grew 3.5% year over year to $37 and six cents. That pace keeps real earnings on a firmer footing as prices moderate, and it supports household spending power going into winter.

Where the Jobs Grew, and Where They Softened

Sectors linked to day-to-day life and goods movement led the month. Wholesale and retail trade added 41,000 roles. Transportation and warehousing increased by 30,000. Information, culture, and recreation rose by 25,000 thousand. Utilities also advanced with 7,600 more people at work.

Construction eased by 15,000. Over the year, construction is close to flat, and still below the peak reached early in the year. Goods-producing industries show a modest net decline in 2025, while services-producing industries continue to post net gains.

Sectors With Notable Gains Included

Sector	Change in Employment	Direction
Wholesale and retail trade	+41,000	Higher
Transportation and warehousing	+30,000	Higher
Information, culture, and recreation	+25,000	Higher
Utilities	+7,600	Higher
Construction	-15,000	Lower

Goods-producing industries showed modest declines across 2025, while service-producing industries continued to record net growth.

Provincial Picture

Province	Employment Change	Unemployment Rate Trend
Ontario	+55,000	Lower (7.6%)
Newfoundland and Labrador	+4,400	Stable (~10%)
Nova Scotia	-4,400	Higher
Manitoba	-4,000	Lower (5.8%)
Quebec	Little change	Lower (5.3%)

Youth and Core Age Trends

• Youth (15 to 24): Employment +21,000, unemployment rate 14.1% (first decline since February).
• Core-aged men (25 to 54): Unemployment rate 6.0%.
• Core-aged women (25 to 54): Unemployment rate 5.7%.
• Age 55+: Unemployment rate 5.3%.

Nearly 20% of unemployed individuals in September were working in October, signaling persistent hiring activity even amid temporary labour disruptions.

Household Finances and What It Means for Newcomers

Wages increased 3.5% year over year. The share of households reporting financial stress continues to ease, though renters experience more pressure than homeowners. Areas with higher unemployment rates report higher levels of household financial strain.

For newcomers, this report signals strong demand in:

• Retail and customer-facing sectors
• Transportation and warehousing
• Recreation and services
• Utilities and logistics

Healthcare, construction, and technology remain long-term strategic priority sectors across provinces.

Practical Tips for Job Seekers in Canada

• Use a Canadian-style resume with clear bullet points and measurable results.
• Obtain relevant language test scores and, where possible, industry certificates.
• Gain local references through volunteering, co-op experience, or community involvement.
• Track provincial hiring initiatives and seasonal recruitment.
• Consider starting in transportation, warehousing, or retail to build work history and move into supervisory roles.

Two months of job gains have offset the summer slowdown. Service sectors continue to expand, wages are improving, and several provinces with growing populations are adding jobs consistently. Skilled trades may fluctuate month to month, but long-term demand remains stable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What changed in October 2025 compared with September?

Employment increased by 67,000, and the unemployment rate decreased to 6.9%. Part-time roles led October’s growth.

Q2. Which sectors hired the most?

Wholesale and retail trade, transportation and warehousing, information and recreation services, and utilities. Construction declined.

Q3. Which provinces saw the biggest changes?

Ontario led with +55,000 jobs. Newfoundland and Labrador also increased. Nova Scotia and Manitoba saw declines. Quebec remained steady with a lower unemployment rate.

Q4. Are wages keeping pace?

Yes. Wages increased 3.5% year over year to $37.06 per hour.

Q5. What does this mean for newcomers?

Hiring continues in services and logistics. Strong language skills, certifications, and knowledge of provincial job programs improve success.

Canada Jobs Report Points to a Stable Path Forward

The Canada Jobs Report for October shows continued progress. With employment rising, wages strengthening, and multiple provinces building momentum, the outlook remains positive. This report continues to be an important guide for job seekers, employers, and newcomers preparing to build careers in Canada.