Growth in average hourly wages for permanent employees in Canada eased in April, suggesting a modest cooling in labour market pressures.
According to the latest data updated on 8 May 2026, average hourly wages for permanent employees rose 4.8% in April 2026, down from a 5.1% increase recorded in March 2026. The slowdown marks a slight deceleration in year-on-year wage growth over the month.
While wages continue to rise at a solid pace, the step down from March’s level signals that pay pressures in Canada’s labour market may be losing some momentum as the second quarter begins.