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Canada economy sheds 68,000 jobs in September as unemployment rises
Canada's labour market weakened significantly in September 2026, with the economy shedding 68,000 jobs. This marks the second consecutive monthly decline following a loss of 42,000 positions in August. Consequently, the national unemployment rate rose to 6.5%, returning to levels seen at the start of the year.
Job losses were concentrated in the public sector, which saw a decline of 70,000 positions, and the educational services sector, which lost 35,000 jobs. Young workers aged 15 to 24 were heavily impacted, accounting for 48,000 of the lost positions. Women aged 25 to 54 also saw a decline of 28,000 jobs.
Regional data shows a stark contrast: Quebec experienced a significant loss of 49,000 jobs, while Alberta bucked the national trend by adding 23,000 roles. Ontario and British Columbia both reported losses of 20,000 jobs.
The economic downturn coincided with heightened trade tensions between Canada and the United States. Following the employment report, the Canadian dollar weakened, reaching its lowest level against the U.S. dollar in 18 months.
Entities
Alberta · British Columbia · Canada · KPMG Canada · Ontario · Quebec · Statistics Canada · United States
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Canadian dollar fell to its lowest level against the US dollar in 18 months. www.lesaffaires.com · freerepublic.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Quebec lost 49,000 jobs in September. www.lecharlevoisien.com · looniepolitics.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] Educational services lost 35,000 jobs in September. eawaz.com · www.lecharlevoisien.com · looniepolitics.com · southasiandaily.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Young Canadians aged 15 to 24 lost 48,000 jobs. eawaz.com · www.lecharlevoisien.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Public-sector employment fell by 70,000 positions. eawaz.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Alberta added 23,000 jobs in September. albertaworker.ca · looniepolitics.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] The national unemployment rate rose to 6.5% in September. eawaz.com · www.lecharlevoisien.com · canadanewsmedia.ca · looniepolitics.com · southasiandaily.com · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] Canada's economy lost 68,000 jobs in September 2026. albertaworker.ca · eawaz.com · www.lecharlevoisien.com · canadanewsmedia.ca · southasiandaily.com · +2 more