Toronto Economic Region Workforce Insights

September, 2026

Key Insights

  • Employment decreased by 30,100 jobs from the previous month and increased by 71,200 jobs compared to the same month last year.
  • Full-time Employment decreased by 26,600 jobs from the previous month and increased by 64,800 jobs year-over-year.
  • Part-time Employment decreased by 3,700 jobs from the previous month and increased by 6,300 jobs year-over-year.
  • Unemployment increased by 5,100 people from the previous month and decreased by 81,600 people compared to the same month last year.

Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment decreased by 26,600 jobs from last month and increased by 64,800 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment decreased by 3,700 jobs from last month and increased by 6,300 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 5,100 people from the previous month and decreased by 81,600 people compared to last year.

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Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate increased by 1.2 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate decreased by 1.8 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate remained unchanged year-over-year.

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels decreased by 30,100 jobs from the previous month and increased by 71,200 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment decreased by 30,100 jobs. Over the last year, the labor market has increased by 71,200 jobs.

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

  • Manufacturing: 344,300 workers.
  • Construction: 244,700 workers.
  • Utilities: 23,300 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Manufacturing, Construction, Utilities, which together account for 98.4% of the sector's workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

  • Professional, scientific and technical services: 540,500 workers.
  • Wholesale and retail trade: 511,200 workers.
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: 488,300 workers.

In the Services sector, Professional, scientific and technical services, Wholesale and retail trade, Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing lead employment, representing 46.1% of the sector's workforce.

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

  • Information, culture and recreation: Change of 11,500 workers (decreased by 4.8%).
  • Transportation and warehousing: Change of 6,200 workers (increased by 2.55%).
  • Educational services: Change of 5,500 workers (decreased by 2.4%).
  • Wholesale and retail trade: Change of 5,000 workers (decreased by 0.97%).
  • Accommodation and food services: Change of 5,000 workers (decreased by 2.45%).

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

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

  • Health care and social assistance: Change of 47,200 workers (increased by 11.18%).
  • Information, culture and recreation: Change of 36,900 workers (increased by 19.3%).
  • Business, building and other support services: Change of 26,200 workers (increased by 19.77%).
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: Change of 17,800 workers (increased by 3.78%).
  • Accommodation and food services: Change of 17,200 workers (decreased by 7.94%).

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

July, 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: Ajax, Aurora, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Brampton, Caledon, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Halton Hills, King, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Mono, New Tecumseth, Newmarket, Oakville, Orangeville, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Uxbridge, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville.

Key Local Labour Market Insights

  • Total local employment reached 3,799,550 in July 2026, it improved by 3,540 jobs from June and grew by 86,650 jobs year-over-year.
  • The local employment rate registered 62.3%. It went up by 0.1 percentage points from June and increased by 1.6 percentage points from same month last year.
  • Local unemployment rate registered 7.3%. It went up by 0.6 percentage points month-over-month, and fell by 2.4 percentage points year-over-year.

Employment Trends

Total employment in July 2026 was 3,799,550, showing a subtle increase of 3,540 from the previous month. Compared to July last year, employment levels improved by 86,650, showing strength.

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Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 62.3% in July 2026. This represents a rise of 0.1 percentage points from June (62.2%). Year-over-year, the rate improved by 1.6 percentage points from 60.7%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 7.3% in July 2026, up 0.6 percentage points from June. Compared to July last year (9.7%), the rate has decreased by 2.4 percentage points.

Employment: Regional vs Local Patterns

The strong correlation (0.88) between regional and local employment levels indicates very similar employment patterns at both geographic levels. This suggests that local employment closely follows regional trends.

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a strong correlation (0.89) between regional and local levels. This indicates strong alignment in workforce participation, suggesting that labor market conditions affect both areas similarly.

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.69 shows a moderate relationship. This suggests some common unemployment drivers, indicating that there is partial alignment in labor market stress.

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

Monthly Local Workforce Trends

July, 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: Ajax, Aurora, Bradford West Gwillimbury, Brampton, Caledon, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, Halton Hills, King, Markham, Milton, Mississauga, Mono, New Tecumseth, Newmarket, Oakville, Orangeville, Pickering, Richmond Hill, Toronto, Uxbridge, Vaughan, Whitchurch-Stouffville.

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Local area

Employment Trends

Total employment in July 2026 was 3,799,550, showing a subtle increase of 3,540 from the previous month. Compared to July last year, employment levels improved by 86,650, showing strength.

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

Employment Rate Dynamics

The employment rate reached 62.3% in July 2026. This represents a rise of 0.1 percentage points from June (62.2%). Year-over-year, the rate improved by 1.6 percentage points from 60.7%.

Unemployment Rate Trends

The unemployment rate was 7.3% in July 2026, up 0.6 percentage points from June. Compared to July last year (9.7%), the rate has decreased by 2.4 percentage points.

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

Employment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

Employment rates show a strong correlation (0.89) between regional and local levels. This indicates strong alignment in workforce participation, suggesting that labor market conditions affect both areas similarly.

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

Unemployment Rate: Regional vs Local Patterns

The unemployment rate correlation of 0.69 shows a moderate relationship. This suggests some common unemployment drivers, indicating that there is partial alignment in labor market stress.

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

Workforce Composition by Status

In the most recent month, Full-time Employment decreased by 26,600 jobs from last month and increased by 64,800 jobs compared to the same month last year.

Part-time Employment decreased by 3,700 jobs from last month and increased by 6,300 jobs year-over-year.

The number of Unemployed individuals increased by 5,100 people from the previous month and decreased by 81,600 people compared to last year.

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

Employment, Unemployment, and Participation Rate

The Employment Rate increased by 1.2 percentage points from a year ago.

The Unemployment Rate decreased by 1.8 percentage points from a year ago.

The Participation Rate remained unchanged year-over-year.

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

Jobs Added or Lost by Month

Employment levels decreased by 30,100 jobs from the previous month and increased by 71,200 jobs compared to the same month last year.

In the most recent month, employment decreased by 30,100 jobs. Over the last year, the labor market has increased by 71,200 jobs.

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

Top 3 Industries in Goods Sector

  • Manufacturing: 344,300 workers.
  • Construction: 244,700 workers.
  • Utilities: 23,300 workers.

The Goods sector is mainly driven by industries such as Manufacturing, Construction, Utilities, which together account for 98.4% of the sector's workforce.

Top 3 Industries in Services Sector

  • Professional, scientific and technical services: 540,500 workers.
  • Wholesale and retail trade: 511,200 workers.
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: 488,300 workers.

In the Services sector, Professional, scientific and technical services, Wholesale and retail trade, Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing lead employment, representing 46.1% of the sector's workforce.

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

Top 5 Industries by Change from Previous Month

  • Information, culture and recreation: Change of 11,500 workers (decreased by 4.8%).
  • Transportation and warehousing: Change of 6,200 workers (increased by 2.55%).
  • Educational services: Change of 5,500 workers (decreased by 2.4%).
  • Wholesale and retail trade: Change of 5,000 workers (decreased by 0.97%).
  • Accommodation and food services: Change of 5,000 workers (decreased by 2.45%).

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

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

Top 5 Industries by Change from Same Month Last Year

  • Health care and social assistance: Change of 47,200 workers (increased by 11.18%).
  • Information, culture and recreation: Change of 36,900 workers (increased by 19.3%).
  • Business, building and other support services: Change of 26,200 workers (increased by 19.77%).
  • Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing: Change of 17,800 workers (increased by 3.78%).
  • Accommodation and food services: Change of 17,200 workers (decreased by 7.94%).

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 September, 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 September, 2026

Employment rate Provincial Comparison

Among 94 small areas in Ontario, Toronto ranks 10th with an employment rate of 62.3%. The provincial range is 46.1% to 67.2%, with half of areas between 53.9% and 59.3% (median: 56.5%).

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

Unemployment rate Provincial Comparison

Among 94 small areas in Ontario, Toronto ranks 76th with an unemployment rate of 7.3%. The provincial range is 4.6% to 9.2%, with half of areas between 5.6% and 6.9% (median: 6.2%).

Data source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey September, 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