Canada’s Job Market Stumbles with 83,900 Jobs Lost in February 2026
Canada's labor market suffered a sharp setback in February 2026, shedding 83,900 jobs—far worse than the anticipated 10,000 gain. The unemployment rate climbed to 6.7%, driven by declines in full-time employment. Economists labeled the data "brutal," citing broader economic fragility compounded by rising energy costs from geopolitical tensions.
Wage growth offered a silver lining, with permanent employees seeing hourly earnings rise 4.2% year-over-year. Bilateral talks between Canada and the U.S. to mitigate tariff impacts and renegotiate a trilateral trade pact with Mexico could provide relief if finalized by July.