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Canada's Unemployment Hits 6.8% Amid Job Sector Shifts

1/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.8% in December, up from 6.5% in November as more people entered the labor force.
Job growth was concentrated in full-time positions in health care and social assistance, adding 21,000 jobs.
The professional services sector lost 18,000 jobs, and young workers aged 15 to 24 experienced significant losses.
Economists expect the Bank of Canada, the central bank, to keep the policy rate at 2.25%.

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Story summary

Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.8% in December, up from 6.5% in November as more people entered the labor force.
Job growth was concentrated in full-time positions in health care and social assistance, adding 21,000 jobs.
The professional services sector lost 18,000 jobs, and young workers aged 15 to 24 experienced significant losses.
Economists expect the Bank of Canada, the central bank, to keep the policy rate at 2.25%.