FX.co ★ Canada Employment Slips in January

In January 2025, employment in Canada experienced a decline of 0.1%, equating to a loss of 25,000 jobs, which was notably below the anticipated increase of 7,000 positions. This decrease represents the most significant monthly drop since August 2025. Consequently, the employment rate dipped slightly by 0.1 percentage point to 60.8%. The job losses were predominantly seen among core-aged women, aged 25 to 54, with a reduction of 27,000 jobs, or 0.4%, while other key demographic groups remained largely unaffected. Sector-specific declines were observed in manufacturing (a decrease of 28,000 jobs, or 1.5%), educational services (down by 24,000 jobs, or 1.5%), and public administration (reduced by 10,000 jobs, or 0.8%). Conversely, positive employment trends were noted in information, culture, and recreation, which saw an increase of 17,000 jobs, or 2.0%. There were also gains in business, building, and other support services (up by 14,000 jobs, or 2.1%), agriculture (an increase of 11,000 jobs, or 4.5%), and utilities (up by 4,200 jobs, or 2.5%). Regionally, Ontario experienced a significant employment decrease of 67,000 jobs, or 0.8%, while Alberta saw an increase of 20,000 jobs, or 0.8%. Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador also posted employment gains, with increases of 6,100 jobs (1.0%) and 3,800 jobs (1.6%), respectively.