Unemployment rate by province in Canada, Sept. 2026

Canada’s unemployment rate was 6.5 per cent in September 2026, and it ranged from 5.0 per cent in Manitoba to 9.1 per cent in Newfoundland and Labrador, according to Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey. The agency said the country lost 68,000 jobs in the month. All rates below are seasonally adjusted and refer to the survey reference week in September 2026.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026: figures reflect the September 2026 Labour Force Survey, released Oct. 9, 2026.

Which province has the highest unemployment rate?

Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest rate in September at 9.1 per cent. New Brunswick (7.4 per cent), Prince Edward Island (7.3 per cent) and Ontario (7.0 per cent) were also above the national rate of 6.5 per cent.

Which province has the lowest unemployment rate?

Manitoba had the lowest rate at 5.0 per cent, followed by Saskatchewan at 5.4 per cent and Quebec at 6.0 per cent. Alberta and British Columbia were each at 6.4 per cent, just under the national figure. Our report on the month’s job losses is in why Canada lost 68,000 jobs and who was hit hardest, and the Alberta result is covered in Alberta adds 23,000 jobs as Canada loses 68,000.

What does the unemployment rate measure?

The Labour Force Survey counts people without work who were available and looked for a job during the reference week, as a share of the labour force. The rates in the table are seasonally adjusted, which removes regular yearly patterns so months can be compared. Monthly provincial rates come from a sample survey and carry a margin of error, so small differences between provinces or months may not be meaningful.

Why does the unemployment rate matter for interest rates and wages?

The Bank of Canada watches the labour market when it sets its policy rate; see economists expect Bank of Canada to hold on Oct. 28. Provincial minimum wages are set separately by each government; our table is at minimum wage by province in Canada, October 2026.

When is the next update?

Statistics Canada publishes the Labour Force Survey monthly. This page will be updated after the next release with the newest figures and reference month.

How we compiled this

Rates were taken from the Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey release for September 2026 (The Daily, Oct. 9, 2026; Table 14-10-0287-01) and checked against a second published report of the same release. We did not calculate or estimate any figure. Territorial rates are not part of this monthly provincial release, so none are shown. Date checked: Oct. 20, 2026.

Cite this page: Canada News Media, Unemployment rate by province in Canada, Sept. 2026, updated Oct. 20, 2026, https://canadanewsmedia.ca/unemployment-rate-by-province-canada-2026/

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