Ontario, B.C. led Canadian provinces in employment gains in 2018

CIC News
Published: January 4, 2019

Ontario led Canada's provinces and territories in net employment gains in 2018 — a year that saw Canada's unemployment rate reach its lowest point since 1976. 

The number of people employed in Ontario grew by 78,000 over the course of 2018, all of it full-time employment, while the province's unemployment rate dropped 0.2 percentage points to 5.4 per cent — the second lowest rate among Canada's provinces.

The Canadian province that posted the lowest unemployment rate in 2018 was British Columbia, at 4.4 per cent.

B.C. saw the number of people employed in the province grow by 44,000 in 2018, with most working full-time. Statistics Canada said B.C.'s employment growth rate of 1.8 per cent was double the national average.

Saskatchewan also outpaced the national average for employment growth in 2018, with 11,000 more people employed in 2018 — a growth rate of 1.9 per cent. The province's unemployment rate fell by 0.9 percentage points, to 5.6 per cent.

This was on par with Canada's unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent over the course of 2018, which Statistics Canada reports is the lowest rate since comparable data became available in 1976.

Nationally, employment grew by 163,000 in 2018, a growth rate of 0.9 per cent. Statistics Canada said this increase was "entirely driven by gains in full-time work."

Statistics Canada said these employment gains were recorded almost entirely in service industries. Health care and social assistance led with employment gains of 74,000 followed by business, building and other support services with 59,000.

Find out if you are eligible for Canadian immigration

© 2019 CICNews All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Express Entry’s targeted occupations: how many agricultural and agri-food workers does Canada really need?
Portrait Group of team worker organic vegetables. Hydroponics farm organic fresh harvested vegetables
Express Entry’s targeted occupations: how many transport workers does Canada really need?
Smiling chief standing in auto park and holding tablet. In background are trucks.
Newcomer access to credit in Canada improves over time, according to new study
newcomer credit article september 2023
British Columbia, Ontario, Alberta, and PEI hold provincial nominations this week
Two chairs face lakeside at the end of a pier. This week four provinces announced PNP draws.
Top Stories
Express Entry’s targeted occupations: how many agricultural and agri-food workers does Canada really need?
The trends of immigrant employment in Canada
Canada’s international student population continues to soar
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Study
Canada’s international student population continues to soar
student studying
Senators release new report on improving the integrity of Canada’s international student program
Four members of Canada’s Senate released a report on September 20, outlining how to strengthen the integrity of the country’s international student program.
Study in Canada: What we know about IRCC’s proposed Trusted Institutions Framework
trusted institutions framework study in canada
IRCC extends transition period for distance learning measures to December 2023
Student completing distance studies online.
Link copied to clipboard