Canada’s Unemployment Rate Stays at 6.9% in July, Toronto’s Ticks Up Though

Regional Insights from the July 2025 Labour Market Data

Unemployment is below the national average in Saskatchewan, BC, Manitoba, and Quebec. However, the unemployment rate did tick up slightly in BC, Manitoba and Quebec, so there are signs of strain showing there. Saskatchewan remains a bright spot in the current economic climate in Canada.

Ontario’s unemployment rate remains elevated at 7.9%, while it hit 9% in Toronto in July. This is significantly above the national average and shows that the job market in Toronto is likely going to remain tight and competitive for the time being.

Newcomers who are moving to Canada soon and are considering Toronto as a landing destination may be wise to look outside of Toronto for better job prospects.

Unemployment was also elevated in Saint John (NB), Belleville-Quinte West (ON), Peterborough (ON), Oshawa (ON), Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo (ON), Brantford (ON), Guelph (ON), Windsor (ON), Calgary (AB), Edmonton (AB), Kamloops (BC), and Nanaimo (BC).

Provincial Unemployment Rates Across Canada in July 2025

Here are the provincial unemployment rates in Canada, based on StatsCan data from July 2025:

• Alberta — 7.8%

• British Columbia — 5.9%

• Manitoba — 5.5%

• New Brunswick — 7.5%

• Newfoundland and Labrador — 10.5%

• Nova Scotia — 7.0%

• Ontario — 7.9%

• Prince Edward Island — 8.8%

• Quebec — 5.5%

• Saskatchewan — 5.0%

Changes in Provincial Unemployment from June to July 2025

Cities and Regions with Low Unemployment in July 2025

Canada released some additional data showing unemployment data across its small cities, and it shows that unemployment is much lower in rural areas than in the major cities. It’s currently sitting at 5.1% for rural areas, according to the StatsCan dashboard.

These are the cities and regions that had comparably low unemployment in July 2025 (6% or below):

• Saguenay, Quebec

• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

• Kelowna, British Columbia

• Québec, Quebec

• Victoria, British Columbia

• Sherbrooke, Quebec

• Thunder Bay, Ontario

• Halifax, Nova Scotia

• Red Deer, Alberta

• Chilliwack, British Columbia

• Regina, Saskatchewan

• Trois-Rivières, Quebec

• Greater Sudbury, Ontario

• Lethbridge, Alberta

• Winnipeg, Manitoba

• Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Market Challenges Newcomers Face in July 2025

Canada’s unemployment rate indicates that newcomers (and anyone in Canada who is currently looking for employment) may find it hard to secure work. The unemployment rate is the among the highest rates of unemployment in Canada since 2016, outside of the pandemic spike.

Youth unemployment reached 14.6% in July, which is the highest youth unemployment rate since 2010 (outside of the pandemic).

So, if you’re in Canada and finding it hard to secure work, it’s not ‘just a feeling’. The data shows that it is harder to find work this year than it was at the same time last year. This is especially true for returning students and young workers, as well as for those aged 55+.

Job Opportunities for Newcomers

For newcomers looking to settle in Canada, these trends can be confusing. Employment is tightening in several regions, and certain sectors are shedding positions. In addition, the uptick in unemployment means competition could intensify, making a strong résumé and targeted networking more critical than ever.

On the bright side, wage growth continues, and many employers are still experiencing labour shortages, particularly in provinces with lower unemployment rates and in in-demand industries. If you’re planning to move, it’s worth exploring areas and industries that show resilience—like Saskatchewan, or niche sectors still adding jobs.

If you’re looking to land a role in Canada, it’s essential to put your best foot forward. Our resources can help.

Here are some new expert resources researched and published by the Moving2Canada team:

• Tips to help you succeed on LinkedIn — Optimize your profile, grow your network, and land your dream job In Canada.
• How salary negotiation in Canada works — Key insights and advice for after you’ve been invited to interview for a role.

Of course, to be invited to interview you’ll need a strong, Canada-style resume, and usually an accompanying cover letter. We’ve helped tens of thousands improve their job search with the templates that come with a free Moving2Canada account. If you haven’t created your account yet, now is the time to jump on board. Join the Moving2Canada community here.

Expert resources to help immigrants get jobs in Canada

Canada’s job market provides a wealth of opportunity for newcomers, but it is only that — an opportunity.

To take full advantage, recent and prospective immigrants can leverage free government-funded resources and programs. We recently partnered with Canada InfoNet, a government-funded pre-arrival employment support program, to bring you two expert guides on transitioning to a career in Canada:

• Transitioning to the Canadian job market
• How to find a career mentor in Canada

The outlook on Canadian construction and infrastructure

Ruairi Spillaine, Outpost Recruitment and Moving2Canada founder, analyzes what’s happening in the construction sector in Canada.

“Procurement of building materials during a potential trade war is going to create pandemic-style escalations in a construction sector that is already struggling with a prolonged period of higher rates. The addition of tariffs isn’t good news for the construction sector in Canada or the US“

 

If you are interested in working in Canada’s construction sector, Outpost helps motivated candidates find suitable jobs in Canada.

The agency works with general contractors, subcontractors, developers, and consultants who are hiring across senior management, operations, project management, site, design, quality, and commercial personnel.

Outpost Recruitment is actively looking for candidates for projects across Canada. View the latest job postings here.

How to take advantage in Canada’s job market

The Moving2Canada team has a special feature for people who want to get a job in Canada or accelerate their career here. Readers can now opt in to hear from recruiters and employers we partner with and upload a resume to their account, all for free.

• If you already have a Moving2Canada account, sign in here and complete or update your profile to hear about job opportunities.
• If you don’t already have a Moving2Canada account, please register here and complete your profile.

We’re excited to help more newcomers and people wishing to move to Canada in their career goals.

How to get a job in Canada

If you’re looking for a job in Canada here are some steps you can take to land that sweet, sweet Canadian job offer.

• Get your resume in good shape. This crucial step is often left down the list of job seekers’ priorities, despite being arguably the most important step of all. Read our Canadian resume guide to get going.
• Start looking at open opportunities. Some companies are still hiring. Don’t believe us? Head over to our Jobs Board, populated daily with new positions across Canada.
• Build your network. You can assemble a team to help you in your job search. With ongoing physical distancing and travel restrictions, technology is your friend here. Read our networking guide, written by award-winning entrepreneur Ruairi Spillane, for expert advice.

Here’s a popular webinar from recruitment expert and Moving2Canada founder, Ruairi Spillane, about how to create the best resume for the Canadian jobs market:

New and improved Jobs Board

We have worked hard over recent weeks to ramp up the number and range of job postings on our Jobs Board.

We also have a number of other resources for helping you find your career in Canada. You’ll find broad-stroke information that will arm you with the knowledge you need to succeed, as well as industry-specific insights into finding jobs by industry, such as teaching.

Don’t forget to complete or update your Moving2Canada profile to hear about job opportunities in your industry in Canada!

Want to dig deeper into the Canada Jobs Report data? Try these interactive tools, courtesy of StatsCan.