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Canada Faces Job Losses: Unemployment Hits 6.7%

3/13/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Canada lost 84,000 jobs in February, lifting unemployment to 6.7%.
The decline was driven by a sharp drop in full-time positions.
The wholesale and retail trade sector shed 18,000 jobs.
Youth unemployment rose to 14.1%, with 47,000 jobs lost among those aged 15–24.
Economists expected a 10,000-job gain, while the Bank of Canada is expected to hold rates amid uncertainty from trade tensions and geopolitical issues.

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Story summary

Canada lost 84,000 jobs in February, lifting unemployment to 6.7%.
The decline was driven by a sharp drop in full-time positions.
The wholesale and retail trade sector shed 18,000 jobs.
Youth unemployment rose to 14.1%, with 47,000 jobs lost among those aged 15–24.
Economists expected a 10,000-job gain, while the Bank of Canada is expected to hold rates amid uncertainty from trade tensions and geopolitical issues.