Statistics Canada said on Friday that Canada's unemployment rate rose to a
six-month high in October as private-sector and full-time employment fell, with
a net unexpected loss of 4,700 jobs. Year-to-date the economy has averaged a
monthly net loss of 4,590 jobs, versus average monthly gains of 17,606 in 2025
and 33,675 in 2024. Statistics Canada also reported that more than one-quarter
of people aged 15+ had difficulty meeting transport, housing, food, clothing and
other basic expenses in the past four weeks. Firms are cutting costs amid
escalating US-Canada trade tensions.
