In March 2025, the Canadian labor market experienced a decline, with 32,600 fewer jobs, contrary to the anticipated growth of 12,000 positions. The decline was primarily observed in men aged 55 and older, with a reduction of 21,000 jobs, representing a 0.9% decrease. Little variation was noted among other key demographic groups. The wholesale and retail trade sector saw a significant drop, losing 29,000 jobs (a 1% decrease), along with the information, culture, and recreation sector, which lost 20,000 jobs, marking a 2.4% reduction. Conversely, some sectors experienced growth: 'other services,' which includes personal and repair services, increased by 12,000 jobs (a 1.5% rise), and the utilities sector added 4,200 jobs, reflecting a 2.8% increase.
Regionally, employment fell in Ontario, with a decrease of 28,000 jobs (0.3% down), and in Alberta, with a reduction of 15,000 jobs (0.6% down). Saskatchewan, however, saw an increase, adding 6,600 jobs (1.1% up). Employment remained largely unchanged in the other provinces throughout March.
Total hours worked across the country rose by 0.4% in March, rebounding from a 1.3% decline in February. Looking at a year-over-year perspective, there was a 1.2% increase in total hours worked. Additionally, there was a rise in average hourly wages, which increased by 3.6%, equivalent to a $1.24 increase, bringing the average hourly wage to $36.05. This followed February's wage growth of 3.8%, based on data that was not adjusted for seasonal variations.
