Canada added 55,000 jobs in December

January 14, 2022

Canada’s employment rose 55,000 in December, while unemployment was little changed.

Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey captured economic conditions during the week of December 5 to 11. The reference week was just before the Omicron variant became widespread in Canada, causing a surge in cases. Public health measures were similar to November during the reference week. Coronavirus-related closures happened shortly after.

More people were working full-time in December just before public health measures ramped up. Most of the employment growth was in Ontario. Nationwide, gains were driven by the construction and education industries.

Unemployment was down slightly to 5.9% compared to November, when it was at 6%. In February 2020, before the pandemic, Canada’s unemployment rate was 5.6%.

Source: CIC News