Canadian territories (Northwest Territories, Yukon and Nunavut), June 2026 - Job market snapshot

Employment in the combined territories increased by 1.2% (+800) to 66,500 from May to June 2026. On an annual basis, the territories’ employment increased by 3.6% (+2,300) from June 2025 to June 2026, as gains in the services producing sector (+5.0% or +2,800) offset losses in the goods-producing sector (-6.2% or -500). The unemployment rate increased considerably, rising 3.0 percentage points to 8.7% over the same period.

The territories’ job market by the numbers

Territories
Working population
Unemployment rate
Yukon

26,800

Up 0.4% since May

7.3%

Up 1.0 pts since May

Northwest Territories

23,800

Up 1.7% since May

8.1%

Up 0.2 pts since May

Nunavut

15,900

Up 1.9% since May

11.6%

Down -0.9 pts since May

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0292-01 - Labour force characteristics by territory, three-month moving average, seasonally adjusted and unadjusted, last 5 months

Industries in focus

Utilities

Number of jobs increased 12.5%

June 2025800

June 2026900

Territorial employment in the utilities sector increased 12.5% (+100) from June 2025 to June 2026. The federal government is providing $17.2M to support four renewable energy projects in Nunavut. The funding will go towards advancing a solar, wind, and battery microgrid project, building clean energy systems, accelerating renewable development in diesel-reliant communities, and demonstrating a solar and battery project capable of operating both connected to and independently of the grid.

Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas

Number of jobs decreased -16.7%

June 20252,400

June 20262,000

Year-over-year, employment in the combined territories’ mining sector fell 16.7% (-400) in June. Baffinland’s Mary River Mine, which generates about 25% of Nunavut’s economic activity and employs 1,200 workers, including 300 Inuit, has secured a $660M loan through Export Development Canada after entering creditor protection in 2026 due to $2.6B in debt. The funding will support operations through 2027.

Construction

Number of jobs increased 2.3%

June 20254,400

June 20264,500

Territorial employment in the construction sector increased 2.3% (+100) from June 2025 to June 2026. Looking forward, the proposed Taltson hydro expansion, which will connect the North and South Slave regions, is expected to add 60MW to the Twin Gorges facility and more than 320km of transmission line. Valued at $2B–$3B, the project will create 500–700 jobs during the construction period, prioritizing Northern and Indigenous labour. Construction could begin by 2029, with operations anticipated by 2033–34.

Note: Combined seasonally unadjusted data based on a three-month moving average

Source: Statistics Canada - Labour Force Survey - Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) custom tables

A closer look at the territories

Yukon Territory

Between June 2025 and June 2026, employment in the Yukon fell 1.5% (-400). The Yukon Water Board has given approval to Yukon Energy to proceed with repair work on its Mayo dam complex. The existing spillway has been damaged beyond repair and is estimated to cost approximately $180M to replace. Yukon Energy has until the end of 2026 to complete the approved work to help reduce the risk of flooding. What else is happening in this region?

Northwest Territories

In the Northwest Territories, employment rose 4.4% (+1,000) year-over-year in June 2026. Meanwhile, the territory’s economy is projected to decline to $4.0B in 2026 due to falling diamond production and exports. With mining historically contributing up to 25% of GDP, the territory faces ongoing pressure to diversify, while sectors such as defence spending and mine remediation may provide short-term support. What else is happening in this region?

Nunavut

In June 2026, employment in Nunavut rose considerably, up 12.0% (+1,700) year-over-year. Looking forward, the Nunavut government is preparing to recruit up to 68 federal employees as part of devolution, which will transfer land management responsibilities to the territory on April 1, 2027. Formal job offers for positions in the new department are expected to begin in October. What else is happening in this region?

Last data refresh: 2026-07-16

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