The new Labour Force Survey found that 62,000 jobs were created in Canada in November
Earlier today, Statistics Canada released the results of its latest Labour Force Survey. In November, the Canadian economy added a modest 62,100 jobs, resulting in weaker employment growth than what was seen in the previous seven months.
“This month’s labour market data shows that the jobs recovery continues to lose steam. While the overall number of employed Canadians grew in November, growth this month is the weakest since the beginning of the recovery in May,” said Liam Daly, economist at the Conference Board of Canada.
Despite the sluggish job growth, the national unemployment rate fell by 0.4% in November to 8.5%. Regionally, job creation was inconsistent.
The Atlantic Provinces saw relatively robust job growth, with Nova Scotia (10,000 new jobs), New Brunswick (4,200) and Newfoundland and Labrador (2,300) combining to contribute over a quarter of the month’s new employment. Ontario led the way with its 36,600 new jobs, followed by British Columbia’s 23,900 and Quebec’s 15,700.
The situation is far gloomier on the prairies, which has been hit especially hard by the second wave of COVID-19. Manitoba shed over 18,000 jobs in November. The situation was marginally better in Alberta, which lost 10,800 jobs, and Saskatchewan, which lost 2,800.
Many fear that the economic challenges imposed by the second wave could lead to even worse job numbers in December. Daly said the pandemic will continue to dictate the labour market performance in each province and each industry.
“As the year comes to an end, industries that can adapt to social distancing rules and remote working will continue to lead employment growth,” he said. “However, for those placed under restrictions, particularly within hospitality, there is unlikely to be major progress until a vaccine becomes widely available.”
