Â鶹´«Ã½

Business

    • Canada adds 157,000 jobs in September, returning to pre-pandemic levels

    Share
    OTTAWA -

    Canada's economy marked a milestone last month as employment returned to pre-pandemic levels for the first time, recouping the remainder of three millions jobs lost over a year ago with a gain of 157,000 jobs in September.

    were widespread and concentrated in full-time work, with notable gains in industries where many workers continue to work remotely. Some public-sector gains were related to the Sept. 20 federal election.

    Employment for core-aged women, those between 25 and 54, finally recovered as the school year began, months after they bore a disproportionate brunt of job losses in what's been dubbed a “shecession.â€

    The bumpy return from last year's historic employment drop comes with a few caveats, with economists warning we aren't in the clear yet.

    As the unemployment rate hit 6.9 per cent last month, down from 7.1 per cent in August, the number of unemployed Canadians still remains above pre-pandemic levels. The rate would have been 8.9 per cent in September, down from 9.1 per cent in August, had the agency included in calculations Canadians who wanted to work but didn't search for a job.

    The rebound to pre-pandemic levels also doesn't account for population growth and where the country would have been absent the shock of COVID-19. Statistics Canada estimated the economy would need between 110,000 and 270,000 more jobs to close that gap.

    Brendon Bernard, senior economist with job-posting site Indeed, said this second milestone is likely to be reached next year.

    Some high-contact sectors like retail, which lost 20,000 jobs in September, and accommodation and food services, which saw its first decline in five months as 27,000 jobs were lost, remain further from pre-pandemic levels despite an easing of restrictions.

    “Ultimately, it is the pandemic that will decide when those sectors can completely get back to full health,†said BMO chief economist Douglas Porter.

    “While today is cause for celebration, we do have to be mindful that not every sector, not every region has completely recovered by any means. The job is not done.â€

    The ranks of long-term unemployed who have been without work for six month or more was little changed last month at 389,000, more than double the number recorded in February 2020.

    Leah Nord, senior director of workforce strategies with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, said there is little information to explain why those workers remain unsuccessful in their ongoing job hunt.

    “Let's analyze that and let's look at that policy tool box beyond what we've been doing today, which is, don't get me wrong, necessary during the pandemic. But to move us into recovery, what needs to be done?â€

    Anthony Mantione, a senior economist with the Labour Market Information Council, said one reason could be a skills mismatch with available jobs. He suggested focusing efforts on long-term unemployed workers could be beneficial as they account for one-quarter of all unemployed will have more difficulty landing a job the longer they are out of work.

    Friday's jobs report landed two weeks before a suite of federal supports are to expire on Oct. 23. The Trudeau Liberals are being pressed to reshape and extend the measures for another month, with the minority government being pushed politically by the NDP to not cut support.

    Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland spoke this week about more targeted business supports to lagging sectors like tourism. On Friday, Employment Minister Carla Qualtrough said the government would provide support for workers who need it.

    “While Canadians are back to work and recovery is underway across the country, we know that the fourth wave is here and has hit some regions harder than others. At the same time, there are sectors of the economy that continue to face challenges,†she said. in a statement.

    “That's why our emergency supports are still here for Canadians and the Canadian businesses who need them.â€

    Similarly, the Bank of Canada has about two weeks to decide what it will do to its stimulus program before its next interest rate announcement on Oct. 27.

    The central bank has tracked jobs numbers in deliberations about the path for its key rate and the bond-buying programs that aim to encourage low interest rates and prod consumer spending.

    On Thursday, Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem said frictions in the labour market come from the unique circumstances of the pandemic, with some workers not wanting to return over health concerns, while childcare responsibilities may hold back others.

    “What we're seeing here is it is more complicated to open the economy than to close it, and this process of companies finding workers and workers finding the right jobs, it's taking some time,†Macklem said.

    He also said the central bank is tracking wage growth so it doesn't become an independent driver of inflation, which is running above the bank's target.

    Statistics Canada said wages rose year-over-year by 1.7 per cent in September, and by 4.6 per cent compared to 2019, a pace Porter noted was good, but not strong.

    CIBC senior economist Royce Mendes said September's headline jobs figures likely seals the deal that the Bank of Canada will further ease the pace of its bond-buying program during a schedule rate announcement on Oct. 27.

    Here's a quick look at Canada's September employment (numbers from the previous month in brackets):

    • Unemployment rate: 6.9 per cent (7.1)
    • Employment rate: 60.9 per cent (60.5)
    • Participation rate: 65.5 per cent (65.1)
    • Number unemployed: 1,421,800 (1,440,000)
    • Number working: 19,131,200 (18,974,100)
    • Youth (15-24 years) unemployment rate: 11.3 per cent (11.6)
    • Men (25 plus) unemployment rate: 6.4 per cent (6.6)
    • Women (25 plus) unemployment rate: 5.9 per cent (6.0)

    Here are the jobless rates last month by province (numbers from the previous month in brackets):

    • Newfoundland and Labrador 13.1 per cent (12.1)
    • Prince Edward Island 11.3 per cent (10.6)
    • Nova Scotia 8.0 per cent (7.8)
    • New Brunswick 9.3 per cent (9.3)
    • Quebec 5.7 per cent (5.8)
    • Ontario 7.3 per cent (7.6)
    • Manitoba 5.6 per cent (5.7)
    • Saskatchewan 6.3 per cent (7.0)
    • Alberta 8.1 per cent (7.9)
    • British Columbia 5.9 per cent (6.2)

    Statistics Canada also released seasonally adjusted, three-month moving average unemployment rates for major cities. It cautions, however, that the figures may fluctuate widely because they are based on small statistical samples. Here are the jobless rates last month by city (numbers from the previous month in brackets):

    • St. John's, N.L. 6.3 per cent (6.9)
    • Halifax 7.0 per cent (7.5)
    • Moncton, N.B. 6.4 per cent (6.0)
    • Saint John, N.B. 8.7 per cent (8.7)
    • Saguenay, Que. 5.3 per cent (5.5)
    • Quebec City 4.1 per cent (4.4)
    • Sherbrooke, Que. 4.5 per cent (5.2)
    • Trois-Rivieres, Que. 5.1 per cent (5.0)
    • Montreal 6.7 per cent (7.0)
    • Gatineau, Que. 4.4 per cent (5.2)
    • Ottawa 5.9 per cent (6.5)
    • Kingston, Ont. 7.2 per cent (7.2)
    • Peterborough, Ont. 6.6 per cent (6.2)
    • Oshawa, Ont. 7.6 per cent (8.3)
    • Toronto 8.9 per cent (9.3)
    • Hamilton, Ont. 6.3 per cent (7.0)
    • St. Catharines-Niagara, Ont. 8.2 per cent (10.5)
    • Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo, Ont. 7.2 per cent (7.0)
    • Brantford, Ont. 6.1 per cent (5.7)
    • Guelph, Ont. 6.0 per cent (7.2)
    • London, Ont. 7.3 per cent (7.8)
    • Windsor, Ont. 10.4 per cent (10.6)
    • Barrie, Ont. 6.2 per cent (7.1)
    • Greater Sudbury, Ont. 8.4 per cent (8.7)
    • Thunder Bay, Ont. 6.3 per cent (6.0)
    • Winnipeg 6.4 per cent (7.1)
    • Regina 6.1 per cent (6.2)
    • Saskatoon 7.8 per cent (8.1)
    • Calgary 8.9 per cent (9.6)
    • Edmonton 8.2 per cent (8.2)
    • Kelowna, B.C. 5.4 per cent (5.7)
    • Abbotsford-Mission, B.C. 6.9 per cent (5.9)
    • Vancouver 6.7 per cent (7.2)
    • Victoria 4.2 per cent (4.2)

    This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 8, 2021

    CTVNews.ca Top Stories

    A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

    Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

    Canada

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • Two nephews of the beloved Harry R. Hamilton share stories about his life and legacy.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • The union representing some 1,200 dockworkers at the Port of Montreal has overwhelmingly rejected a deal with their employers association.

    World

    Politics

    • Murray Sinclair’s family members say the late justice and senator has been laid to rest according to his wishes.

    • Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced voters in Cloverdale—Langley City will pick their next member of Parliament on Dec. 16.

    Health

    Sci-Tech

    Entertainment

    Business

    Lifestyle

    Sports

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    • The Edmonton Oilers may have found the break they were looking for.

    Autos

    Local Spotlight

    For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

    Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

    A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

    As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

    A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

    A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

    Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

    A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

    • A suspect was arrested for allegedly brandishing a knife outside a Vancouver elementary school on Friday – just as the young students were heading home for the day.

    • The federal government is urging both sides in the British Columbia port dispute to return to the table after mediated talks broke off on Saturday, the first of three scheduled days.

    • Thousands of people gathered in downtown Vancouver Monday to observe the 100th Remembrance day ceremony at the Victory Square cenotaph, paying their respects to the Canadian soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

    • Several hundred people gathered outside the Ontario legislature in Toronto to honour veterans and remember those who died fighting for their country.

    • Toronto is expected to see an economic boost to the tune of nearly $300 million thanks to Taylor Swift’s upcoming Eras Tour, which will be making a stop in Canada’s largest city for a six-show run later this month.

    • A man believed to be in his 40s has been rushed to a trauma centre following a stabbing in downtown Toronto.

    • Calgarians will be observing Remembrance Day at a number of different ceremonies across the city, including at the Hangar Flight Museum.

    • July 2025 may seem like it’s in the distant future, but for the St. Luke playground committee time is ticking to fundraise the $340,000 they still need to build a new playground.

    • Getting out to the mountains is even easier with a new bus route from a growing Germany-based service.

    • Crowds gathered in Ottawa and eastern Ontario on Monday to honour the sacrifice of men and women in uniform who gave their lives in service of Canada.

    • The Fleet Street Pumping station is Ottawa's oldest water facility. Up to two-thirds of the city's water supply can move through it,

    • The company confirms it will open the new Chipotle at 5671 Hazeldean Road on Thursday, in the former location of Benny & Co.

    • A 36-year-old Montreal man who was out on bail after allegedly uttering death threats to a woman is now accused of murdering her on the South Shore.

    • Private Martine Roy was only 20 years old in 1984 when she was arrested, interrogated and dismissed from the Canadian Armed Forces for being what was then termed a "sexual deviant."

    • With fewer interments and rising maintenance fees, the money for Canada's largest military cemetery will run out in three to four years.

    • A member of Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Edmonton participated in the national Remembrance Day Ceremony in Ottawa on Monday.

    • Canada will be without captain Alphonso Davies for its upcoming CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinal against Suriname.

    • Thousands of Maritimers turned out in wet weather Monday to remember those who have served, and continue to serve, in Canada's armed forces for Remembrance Day.

    • A Cape Breton senior recalls her life in German-occupied France, and her mother’s death, during the Second World War.

    • Thousand of people gathered at the Menin Gate in the Ypres, Belgium for Monday’s Remembrance Day Ceremony.

    • Thousands gathered at the RBC Convention Centre on Monday to bear witness to a sombre and historic Remembrance Day ceremony.

    • One Manitoba veteran is on a mission to commemorate and honour those who served our country, and not just on Remembrance Day.

    • Winnipeg police have identified two men involved in a stabbing incident earlier this week.

    • There will be two ceremonies taking place in Regina for Remembrance Day, hosted by the Royal Canadian Legion.

    • Fire crews reported that no one was hurt after flames broke out in a home on Robinson Street in central Regina.

    • Regina author Valerie Crowther is celebrating the release of her book ‘War Letters: Linking Lives in the Second World War.’

    • Saskatchewan RCMP are searching for a suspect after a man was seriously injured in a farm-related incident in Montreal Lake.

    • It was a somber day at Mosaic Stadium as members of the Saskatchewan Roughriders officially cleaned out their stalls and closed the book on the 2024 season.

    • The Regina Rams claimed the Hardy Cup after a hard fought battle against the Saskatoon Huskies 19-14 on Saturday in the first all Saskatchewan U-Sports western conference final since 2002.

    • Emergency crews responded to the scene on Road 68/Highway 2 east of Thamesford around 7 p.m.

    • The memory of Cpl. Poland is honored at the school where he once studied – every year, Errol Village Public School remembers the man that their school playground is dedicated to, and distributes the Corporal Brent Poland Eagle Award to a graduating student.

    • A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

    • A Barrie man is at the centre of an alleged $2.2 million stolen used car scheme.

    • The 75th anniversary of the Barrie Santa Claus Parade will feature floats, live entertainment, and new attractions, including Santa’s Fireside Gathering.

    • Environment Canada issued a weather alert for Barrie, Collingwood and surrounding areas, alerting residents about the wicked winds that are expected to pick up to 80 kilometres per hour in the afternoon hours.

    • Representatives of the Windsor Veterans Memorial Services Committee, military representatives, wreath bearers, government officials, and members of the public will attend the Cenotaph at City Hall Square for the outdoor service.

    • Windsor Paralympic champion, Danielle Campo, has been crowned the number one Inspirational Speaker of the Year for 2024 at the Inspirational Speaking Finals.

    • One person has been arrested after Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS) received multiple complaints about an alleged drunk driver.

    • Environment Canada says heavy rain and winds could cause power outages on Vancouver Island as an "intense" storm system is set to hit the B.C. coast Sunday.

    • Six deer were struck by vehicles in six different locations in a six-hour period on B.C. highways on Saturday, according to the transportation ministry.

    • The union for locked-out port workers in British Columbia says the BC Maritime Employers Association cut off talks in less than an hour Saturday, refusing to budge on a final offer that the union has so far rejected.

    • The emergency department at South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver, B.C., will be closed for 31 hours this weekend, the second such closure in a week and the third since the start of November.

    • Police in Kamloops, B.C., are reminding parents and guardians to check their children's Halloween candy after receiving a report of a mother finding a razor blade in one of her daughter's treats.

    • More than two years after Alannah Brown and Douglas Barker were found dead north of Penticton, police are asking for help identifying a vehicle they believe was associated with the crime.

    • The Southern Alberta Recreation Association is officially announcing the Town of Taber as next year’s host for the Southern Alberta Summer Games.

    • The Lethbridge Hurricanes broke open a close game with three goals in the first two minutes of the third period as they defeated the Warriors 7-3 in a game played Friday night in Moose Jaw.

    • There might not a lot snow just yet, but many southern Albertans are still itching to get outdoors.

    • It was just days before the COVID-19 pandemic shut the world down when the Shaft Bottom Boys of Sudbury broke a world record for 'Deepest Concert Underground.' Now, more than four years later, a Timmins band is looking to take the title.

    • Police say that a 16-year-old was attacked with a sword Nov. 3 in Cobalt, Ont., in a case of intimate partner violence.

    • Police have arrested a 15-year-old in connection with a break-in and $50,000 in damage done to the Centennial Arena in Elliot Lake in September.

    N.L.

    Shopping Trends

    The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at Â鶹´«Ã½. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us.

    Stay Connected
    Follow Â鶹´«Ã½