Manitoba, January 2026 - Job market snapshot

Get a snapshot of key facts about the state of Manitoba's labour market in the past month.

Manitoba’s employment rose 1.8% (+12,900) between January 2025 and January 2026, driven by strong growth in full-time work (+2.3% or +13,700), which more than offset declines in part-time employment (-0.6% or -800). Despite this job growth the unemployment rate increased 0.2 percentage points to 6.3%, as the labour force expanded by 14,900 entrants. This was supported by a 1.5% (+17,800) increase in the working-age population.

Manitoba's job market by the numbers

Working population

744,100

Up 0.1% since December

Unemployment rate

6.3%

Up 0.6 pts since December

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0287-01 - Labour force characteristics, monthly, seasonally adjusted and trend-cycle, last 5 months

Industries in focus

Health care and social assistance

Number of jobs increased 1.7%

December 2025129,700

January 2026131,900

Year over year, January employment in Manitoba’s health care and social assistance sector rose 9.8% (+11,800). Nursing shortages remain severe in rural areas. Swan River’s emergency department is reporting a 50% vacancy rate, while Dauphin has temporarily closed its four-bed high-acuity unit. The Manitoba Nurses Union warns that staffing pressures could worsen after most private agency contracts ended January 15.

Educational services

Number of jobs increased 1.3%

December 202561,200

January 202662,000

Employment in Manitoba’s educational services fell 4.9% (-3,200) between January 2025 and January 2026. The decline in international student enrolment and revenue is putting financial pressure on many post-secondary institutions. The Manitoba Institute of Trades and Technology (MITT) will wind down over the next year due to a 55% decrease in international enrollment. While some programs will move to Red River College Polytechnic, the future of MITT’s 368 staff members remains uncertain.

Manufacturing

Number of jobs increased 0.9%

December 202568,100

January 202668,700

Manitoba’s manufacturing employment fell 5.8% (-4,200) year over year in January 2026. Winnipeg-based Palliser Furniture laid off 40 employees. The layoffs affect wood-frame, foam-cutting, and assembly roles. The company cited 25% U.S. tariffs -- imposed in October on upholstered furniture and cabinetry – as the reason for the cuts. About 60% of Palliser’s Manitoba-made products are shipped to the U.S. Despite these losses, Palliser is hiring 20 workers for cutting and sewing, work previously done in Mexico. The company expects to recall workers this summer ahead of its busy fall season.

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0355-02 - Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted (x 1,000)

Unemployment rate by region

Interlake
6.1%
Parklands and North
5.1%
South Central and North Central
4.9%
Southeast
5.5%
Southwest
4.8%
Winnipeg
5.8%

The unemployment rate was lowest in Southwest and highest in Interlake.

Source: Labour Market Indicators: By province, territory and economic region, unadjusted for seasonality

A closer look at some regions

Southeast

75,400 people employed

Up 1.3% since January 2025

On an annual basis, the Southeast region's employment rose 1.3% (+1,000) in January 2026, while the unemployment rate dropped 1.6 percentage points to 5.5% compared with January 2025. The City of Steinbach had another strong year in construction activity, with permit values for the first 11 months of 2025 surpassing a record set the previous year. Steinbach approved 356 new units as of November 2025, compared to 344 in 2024. What else is happening in this region?

Interlake

47,500 people employed

Up 2.2% since January 2025

Employment in the Interlake region increased 2.2.% (+1,000) in January 2026, while the unemployment rate declined 1 percentage point to 6.1% compared with January 2025. Residents of Gimli are concerned about the possible economic impacts of Ontario’s recent decision to remove Crown Royal from sale by the provincial liquor agency. The Diageo production plant in Gimli employs dozens of people as well as creating spinoff business in the region. What else is happening in this region?

South Central and North Central

60,500 people employed

Up 2.0% since January 2025

Employment in the South Central and North Central economic regions increased 2.0% (+1,200) in January 2026 on an annual basis, while the unemployment rate improved 0.7 percentage points to 4.9% compared with January 2025. Construction is complete on the new hospital in Portage la Prairie, which is scheduled to open to patients in fall 2026. The 275,000-sq-ft. facility includes 114 acute care beds and will offer surgical, rehabilitation, and birthing services. What else is happening in this region?

Last data refresh: 2026-02-12

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