Canada’s employment fell -66k (vs +7.5k expected) in August 2025, the second consecutive monthly decline, while the unemployment rate rose +0.2 ppts to 7.1% (vs 7.0% expected), the highest since 2016 (ex-COVID years).

• The employment rate fell -0.2 ppts to 60.5%, extending a downward trend since January (-0.6 ppts YTD).

• Job losses were concentrated among core-aged men (-58k; -0.8%) and women (-35k; -0.5%), while youth and older workers saw little change.

• By industry, declines were led by professional, scientific & technical services (-26k; -1.3%), transportation & warehousing (-23k; -2.1%), and manufacturing (-19k; -1.0%), partly offset by construction (+17k; +1.1%).

• Regionally, Ontario (-26k; -0.3%), British Columbia (-16k; -0.5%), and Alberta (-14k; -0.6%) posted the largest declines.

• Self-employment fell sharply (-43k; -1.6%), while public and private sector employment was little changed.

• Average hourly wages rose +3.2% YoY to $36.31, while total hours worked were flat MoM (+0.1%) but up +0.9% YoY.

• The unemployment rate for returning students (15–24) averaged 17.9% over summer 2025, the highest since 2009 (ex-COVID).