Toronto Economic Region Workforce Insights

March, 2026

Key Insights

  • Employment decreased by 15,800 jobs from the previous month and increased by 2,700 jobs compared to the same month last year.
  • Full-time Employment decreased by 22,900 jobs from the previous month and increased by 34,600 jobs year-over-year.
  • Part-time Employment increased by 7,100 jobs from the previous month and decreased by 31,900 jobs year-over-year.
  • Unemployment increased by 10,000 people from the previous month and decreased by 36,900 people compared to the same month last year.

Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment decreased by 22,900 jobs from last month and increased by 34,600 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment increased by 7,100 jobs from last month and decreased by 31,900 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 10,000 people from the previous month and decreased by 36,900 people compared to last year.

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Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate decreased by 0.8 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate decreased by 1 percentage points year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels decreased by 15,800 jobs from the previous month and increased by 2,700 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment decreased by 15,800 jobs. Over the last year, the labor market has increased by 2,700 jobs.

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

  • Manufacturing: 321,600 workers.
  • Construction: 239,400 workers.
  • Utilities: 25,800 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Manufacturing, Construction, Utilities, which together account for 97.6% of the sector's workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

  • Professional, scientific and technical services: 555,400 workers.
  • Wholesale and retail trade: 514,600 workers.
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: 476,700 workers.

In the Services sector, Professional, scientific and technical services, Wholesale and retail trade, Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing lead employment, representing 47% of the sector's workforce.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

  • Accommodation and food services: Change of 12,500 workers (decreased by 6.79%).
  • Transportation and warehousing: Change of 9,900 workers (decreased by 4%).
  • Professional, scientific and technical services: Change of 9,700 workers (decreased by 1.72%).
  • Manufacturing: Change of 4,100 workers (decreased by 1.26%).
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: Change of 3,700 workers (increased by 0.78%).

These industries saw the largest month-over-month changes, indicating short-term trends.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

  • Information, culture and recreation: Change of 41,900 workers (increased by 24.08%).
  • Manufacturing: Change of 34,200 workers (decreased by 9.61%).
  • Wholesale and retail trade: Change of 31,000 workers (decreased by 5.68%).
  • Transportation and warehousing: Change of 27,700 workers (increased by 13.18%).
  • Construction: Change of 20,600 workers (increased by 9.41%).

The year-over-year changes provide insights into longer-term shifts, highlighting industries that have grown or declined significantly.

Conclusion

The overall employment trend is positive, with strong growth in the past year. Key industries driving the trend are: Manufacturing, Wholesale and retail trade, Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance.

Local Workforce Insights

January, 2026

Updated monthly, local monthly workforce trends focus on total employment, and employment and unemployment rates estimates at SLA level
Toronto SLA consists of the following communities: Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Aurora, Newmarket, King, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Mono, Orangeville, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, New Tecumseth, Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Key Local Labour Market Insights

  • Total local employment registered 3,669,910 in January 2026, it contracted by 37,610 jobs from December and dropped by 28,120 jobs year-over-year.
  • The local employment rate registered 59.9%. It declined by 0.6 percentage points from December and declined by 1.0 percentage points from same month last year.
  • Local unemployment rate reached 7.4%. It rose by 0.2 percentage points month-over-month, and decreased by 1.3 percentage points year-over-year.

Employment Trends

Total employment in January 2026 was 3,669,910, showing a modest decrease of 37,610 from the previous month. Relative to January last year, employment levels reduced by 28,120, showing weakness.

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Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 59.9% in January 2026. This represents a decline of 0.6 percentage points from December (60.5%). Year-over-year, the rate decreased by 1.0 percentage points from 60.9%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 7.4% in January 2026, up 0.2 percentage points from December. Compared to January last year (8.7%), the rate has decreased by 1.3 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The moderate correlation (0.35) between regional and local employment levels indicates some alignment in employment trends. This suggests that local employment partially reflects regional patterns.

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a moderate correlation (0.37) between regional and local levels. This shows moderate similarity in workforce engagement, suggesting that there are some shared labor market influences.

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.79 shows a strong relationship. This reveals synchronized unemployment patterns, indicating that economic challenges affect both geographic levels similarly.

Toronto SLA consists of the following communities: Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Aurora, Newmarket, King, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Mono, Orangeville, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, New Tecumseth, Bradford West Gwillimbury.

Monthly Local Workforce Trends

January, 2026

Updated monthly, local monthly workforce trends focus on total employment, and employment and unemployment rates estimates at SLA level

Toronto SLA consists of the following communities: Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, Vaughan, Markham, Richmond Hill, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Aurora, Newmarket, King, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Chippewas of Georgina Island First Nation, Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Mono, Orangeville, Oakville, Milton, Halton Hills, New Tecumseth, Bradford West Gwillimbury.

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Local area

Employment Trends

Total employment in January 2026 was 3,669,910, showing a modest decrease of 37,610 from the previous month. Relative to January last year, employment levels reduced by 28,120, showing weakness.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Local area

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 59.9% in January 2026. This represents a decline of 0.6 percentage points from December (60.5%). Year-over-year, the rate decreased by 1.0 percentage points from 60.9%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 7.4% in January 2026, up 0.2 percentage points from December. Compared to January last year (8.7%), the rate has decreased by 1.3 percentage points.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Local area

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a moderate correlation (0.37) between regional and local levels. This shows moderate similarity in workforce engagement, suggesting that there are some shared labor market influences.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Local area

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.79 shows a strong relationship. This reveals synchronized unemployment patterns, indicating that economic challenges affect both geographic levels similarly.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment decreased by 22,900 jobs from last month and increased by 34,600 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment increased by 7,100 jobs from last month and decreased by 31,900 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 10,000 people from the previous month and decreased by 36,900 people compared to last year.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate decreased by 0.3 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate decreased by 0.8 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate decreased by 1 percentage points year-over-year.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels decreased by 15,800 jobs from the previous month and increased by 2,700 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment decreased by 15,800 jobs. Over the last year, the labor market has increased by 2,700 jobs.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

  • Manufacturing: 321,600 workers.
  • Construction: 239,400 workers.
  • Utilities: 25,800 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Manufacturing, Construction, Utilities, which together account for 97.6% of the sector's workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

  • Professional, scientific and technical services: 555,400 workers.
  • Wholesale and retail trade: 514,600 workers.
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: 476,700 workers.

In the Services sector, Professional, scientific and technical services, Wholesale and retail trade, Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing lead employment, representing 47% of the sector's workforce.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

  • Accommodation and food services: Change of 12,500 workers (decreased by 6.79%).
  • Transportation and warehousing: Change of 9,900 workers (decreased by 4%).
  • Professional, scientific and technical services: Change of 9,700 workers (decreased by 1.72%).
  • Manufacturing: Change of 4,100 workers (decreased by 1.26%).
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: Change of 3,700 workers (increased by 0.78%).

These industries saw the largest month-over-month changes, indicating short-term trends.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

  • Information, culture and recreation: Change of 41,900 workers (increased by 24.08%).
  • Manufacturing: Change of 34,200 workers (decreased by 9.61%).
  • Wholesale and retail trade: Change of 31,000 workers (decreased by 5.68%).
  • Transportation and warehousing: Change of 27,700 workers (increased by 13.18%).
  • Construction: Change of 20,600 workers (increased by 9.41%).

The year-over-year changes provide insights into longer-term shifts, highlighting industries that have grown or declined significantly.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026
Economic region

Conclusion

The overall employment trend is positive, with strong growth in the past year. Key industries driving the trend are: Manufacturing, Wholesale and retail trade, Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, Professional, scientific and technical services, Health care and social assistance.

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026

Employment rate Provincial Comparison

Among 94 small areas in Ontario, Toronto ranks 12th with an employment rate of 59.9%. The provincial range is 41.1% to 65.6%, with half of areas between 51.9% and 57.9% (median: 54.7%).

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026

Unemployment rate Provincial Comparison

Among 94 small areas in Ontario, Toronto ranks 75th with an unemployment rate of 7.4%. The provincial range is 4.8% to 12.1%, with half of areas between 6.1% and 7.1% (median: 6.5%).

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey March, 2026

Recruitment and Retention

Remote Work as Incentive

Anticipated to work remotely

Recruitment, Retention and Training Plans

Recruitment, Retention and Training Plans

Current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training over the next 12 months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Percentage of organizations planning to offer remote work (geography)

Percentage of organizations planning to offer remote work as for recruitment, retention and training over the next 12 months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Percentage of organizations planning to offer remote work (organization size)

Percentage of organizations planning to offer remote work as for recruitment, retention and training over the next 12 months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Percentage of organizations planning to offer remote work (organization type)

Percentage of organizations planning to offer remote work as for recruitment, retention and training over the next 12 months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training - by business size

Organization's current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training in the next 12 months (Q1 2023)

Data source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training - by organization type

Organization's current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training in the next 12 months (Q1 2023)

Data source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training - by geography

Organization's current or planned tasks regarding recruitment, retention and training in the next 12 months (Q1 2023)

Data source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Anticipated Work Arrangement in the Next Three Months

Anticipated Work Arrangement in the Next Three Months

Percentage of workforce anticipated to work on-site or remotely over the next three months, Q1 2023

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Percentage of workers anticipated to only work remotely (geography)

Percentage of workers anticipated to only work remotely over the next three months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Percentage of workers anticipated to only work remotely (organization size)

Percentage of workers anticipated to only work remotely over the next three months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Percentage of workers anticipated to only work remotely (organization type)

Percentage of workers anticipated to only work remotely over the next three months

Data source: Statistics Canada - Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Anticipated work arrangement - by business size

Percentage of workforce anticipated to work on-site or remotely over the next three months, Q1 2023

Data source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Anticipated work arrangement - by organization type

Percentage of workforce anticipated to work on-site or remotely over the next three months, Q1 2023

Data source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions

Anticipated work arrangement - by geography

Percentage of workforce anticipated to work on-site or remotely over the next three months, Q1 2023

Data source: Statistics Canada, Canadian Survey on Business Conditions