Economics

National employment numbers for August from Statistics Canada, at a glance

By
The Canadian Press

Published: 

The manufacturing industry has been hit hard by U.S. tariffs but the sector proved to be a surprise pocket of strength in August with a gain of 22,000 jobs.

OTTAWA — A quick look at Canada’s August employment figures (numbers from the previous month in brackets):

Unemployment rate: 6.4 per cent (6.4)

Employment rate: 60.8 per cent (60.9)

Participation rate: 65.0 per cent (65.1)

Number unemployed: 1,459,500 (1,454,700)

Number working: 21,173,100 (21,214,800)

Youth (15-24 years) unemployment rate: 12.9 per cent (12.6)

Men (25 plus) unemployment rate: 5.8 per cent (5.7)

Women (25 plus) unemployment rate: 5.0 per cent (5.2)

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 4, 2026.