Canada’s Unemployment Rate Improves to 6.5% in November 2025

Regional Insights from the November 2025 Labour Market Data

Employment performance varied across Canada in November, with several provinces seeing notable gains while others held relatively steady. The national unemployment rate fell to 6.5%, and although regional conditions remain mixed, many provinces experienced a more encouraging month than earlier in the year.

Alberta led November’s growth, adding 29,000 jobs (+1.1%)—its second significant increase in three months. The province’s unemployment rate dropped sharply to 6.5%, the lowest since March 2024, with both Calgary and Edmonton seeing improvements.

New Brunswick also saw solid gains, adding 5,500 jobs (+1.4%), while Manitoba saw a smaller but meaningful increase of 4,500 jobs (+0.6%). New Brunswick’s unemployment rate fell to 6.6%, and Manitoba’s held steady at 6.1%.

In contrast, Ontario and Quebec saw little change in overall employment for November, continuing a trend of slower growth through 2025. Ontario’s unemployment rate eased slightly to 7.3% as fewer people searched for work, while Quebec remained one of the strongest labour markets in the country at 5.1%.

Looking across Canada’s largest cities, both Toronto and Montréal saw small declines in unemployment, though labour market conditions continue to vary significantly by sector.

For newcomers, these regional differences highlight the importance of keeping an open mind about where to live and work. While large urban centres remain appealing, many smaller provinces and mid-sized cities are seeing stronger job creation – and may offer better opportunities outside the most competitive sectors.

Provincial Unemployment Rates Across Canada in November 2025

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

• Alberta: 6.5%

• British Columbia: 6.4%

• Manitoba: 6.1%

• New Brunswick: 6.6%

• Newfoundland and Labrador: 10.4%

• Nova Scotia: 6.7% (unchanged)

• Ontario: 7.3%

• Prince Edward Island: 7.7%

• Quebec: 5.1%

• Saskatchewan: 5.6%

Changes in Provincial Unemployment from October to November 2025

Immigration Spotlight: Job Security Declines for Many Canadian Workers

Beyond headline employment numbers, the latest Labour Force Survey highlights a growing concern among workers: declining job security. In November 2025, nearly three-quarters of employees (73.6%) said they felt secure in their jobs, meaning they did not expect to lose their position within the next six months. While still a majority, this share has fallen by 4.1 percentage points since 2023, reflecting a more uncertain economic climate.

Younger workers continue to feel the most vulnerable. Just 65.3% of youth reported feeling secure in their job, compared with 74.9% of core-aged workers and 75.0% of those aged 55 to 69. Men were slightly less confident than women (72.5% vs. 74.7%), though declines were seen across all demographic groups.

Some industries experienced far sharper drops in perceived job security. Public administration recorded the largest decline, falling 12 points to 77.0% compared to 2023. Workers in educational services and professional, scientific and technical services also reported notable decreases. Employees in export-dependent industries – those most closely tied to U.S. demand were among the least confident overall, with only 68.5% feeling secure.

Confidence in employability has slipped as well. Only 42.8% of workers believe they could easily find another job with similar pay, down 6.2 points from 2023. The lowest levels of confidence were reported in public administration, information, culture and recreation, and manufacturing.

For newcomers, these changes serve as an important reminder that securing work is just one piece of long-term stability. Even in a labour market adding jobs, many workers are feeling less certain about the future of their employment. Exploring growing regions, diverse industries, and skills-focused pathways can help new arrivals navigate these uncertainties and build a more resilient career foundation in Canada.

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 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.

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

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