Canada's economy added 93,000 jobs in June

Statistics Canada reports the Canadian economy added 93,200 jobs in June. Almost all of the jobs added are in Ontario (+60,000) and Quebec (+30,000). The large number of jobs added dropped Canada's unemployment rate to 7.9%. The current unemployment rate in the US is 9.5%. The statistic indicates the strength of the domestic economy in Canada.

The addition of 93,200 jobs is five times more what many economists were predicting for the month of June. About half the jobs added are part-time, the other half are full-time positions. Since July 2009, most of the employment gains have been in full-time work, up 355,000 or 2.6, while part-time work rose by 1.5%.

The private sector was responsible for 51,900 of the new positions. Notable employment increases in June were in service industries including business, building and other support services; retail and wholesale trade; health care and social assistance; and other services such as personal care services and automotive repair. Employment in construction increased by 11,000 jobs. The construction industry has had the fastest growth rate of all major industry groups since July 2009 (+8.3% or +94,000).

In less than one year, Canada has almost made up all the jobs lost during the recession that began towards the end of 2008. The economy has added 246,200 jobs in the last four months alone.

Canadian employers are actively seeking foreign skilled workers to join their workforce. Skilled workers that settle in Canada on a permanent basis are especially valuable to the Canadian workforce. Those with a job offer from a Canadian employer may qualify for fast-track Canadian immigration application processing under the Federal Skilled Worker (Professional) category of immigration.

Visit the Work in Canada section for more details, or visit our Occupation Profiles for information on current employment prospects in Canada.