The Canadian unemployment rate has declined for the second month in a row, falling to 7.5 percent in March, the lowest that it has been since February 2020 – before the pandemic. The country’s economy added 303,000 more jobs last month, with solid gains in full-time and part-time work and more people being self-employed.
Perhaps as a result of the further easing of lockdowns across the country, the sectors to see the greatest gains in employment included retail, arts and recreation, and accommodation and food services. These are the industries impacted the most by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.
Of course, some parts of the country – including Ontario, the most populous province – have re-entered periods of lockdown, so we may see that impact next month’s report.
Employment was up in seven provinces last month, including PEI and Newfoundland and Labrador. In Newfoundland and Labrador, employment rose by 13,000 more jobs (or up by 6.5 percent) as lockdowns imposed in February were lifted. The unemployment rate declined 2.9 percent to 12.4 percent. See jobs in NFLD.
Over in Prince Edward Island, employment also rose, with that province adding 1,300 more jobs. This brings the unemployment rate down to 8.1 percent. See jobs available in PEI.
Month over month, there was little change in employment in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
Here’s a look at the unemployment rates for each province right now (Along with jobs openings on CareerBeacon)
Newfoundland and Labrador 12.4 percent [View jobs in NL]
Prince Edward Island 8.1 percent [Search jobs in PEI]
Nova Scotia 8.6 percent [See jobs in Nova Scotia]
New Brunswick 9.2 percent [View available jobs in New Brunswick]
Quebec 6.4 percent [See jobs in Quebec]
Ontario 7.5 percent [Job opportunities in Ontario]
Manitoba 6.8 percent [Jobs in Manitoba]
Saskatchewan 7.3 percent [Browse jobs in Saskatchewan]
Alberta 9.1 percent [Available jobs in Alberta]
British Columbia 6.9 percent [See jobs in B.C.]