Ontario, May 2025 - Job market snapshot

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

Employment in Ontario registered little change (+0.0%; +3,400) in May, with gains concentrated in full-time employment (+0.4%; +24,600) off set by losses in part-time jobs (-1.4%; -21,100). The unemployment rate increased slightly to 7.9% (+0.1 percentage points). Employment decreased mostly in the goods-producing sector (-0.9%; -13,400).

Ontario's job market by the numbers

Working population

8,198,600

Up 0.0% since April

Unemployment rate

7.9%

Up 0.1 pts since April

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

Industries in focus

Wholesale and retail trade

Number of jobs increased 2.5%

April1,127,300

May1,155,900

In May, the wholesale and retail trade sector saw a large increase in employment (+2.5%; +28,600), following a decrease in April (-1.4%; -16,100). Of note, Value Village opened new stores in Brampton and North York, and 1117 Meats & Pantry opened a 5,000-sq.-ft. food store in Toronto.

Manufacturing

Number of jobs decreased -0.2%

April809,700

May807,900

Ontario’s manufacturing sector reported an employment decrease (-0.2%; -1,800) in May, the second consecutive month of decline. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI increased slightly to 46.1, although market demand continued to weaken due to the uncertainty of the U.S.-led tariffs. Several notable layoffs were announced in May, including at Alstom Transport Canada Inc., General Motors of Canada Inc., Ford Motor Company, and Stellantis.

Educational services

Number of jobs decreased -1.1%

April614,400

May607,600

Employment in the educational service sector saw a decrease (-1.1%; -6,800) in May, following a slight increase the previous month. Ontario elementary and secondary school boards and post-secondary institutions continued to be under pressure to restructure due to declining enrolment and budget deficits. Notable layoffs were announced at Waterloo Region District School Board, Kawartha Pine Ridge District School Board and Fanshawe College.

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

Unemployment rate by region

Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula
6.9%
Kingston–Pembroke
6.7%
Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie
6.7%
London
6.4%
Muskoka–Kawarthas
10.2%
Northeast
5.9%
Northwest
3.8%
Ottawa
5.7%
Stratford–Bruce Peninsula
3.9%
Toronto
9.1%
Windsor-Sarnia
9.9%

The unemployment rate was lowest in Northwest and highest in Muskoka–Kawarthas.

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

A closer look at some regions

Toronto

3,889,600 people employed

Up 1.2% since May 2024

Employment in the Toronto economic region increased by 44,700 from May 2024 to May 2025 (+1.2%). Meanwhile, its unemployment rate rose by 1.2 percentage points year-over-year to 9.1%. Investments in construction and infrastructure will contribute to job growth in the region. What else is happening in this region?

Ottawa

842,600 people employed

Up 3.3% since May 2024

The Ottawa region experienced one of the highest proportional gains in employment in April 2025 compared to the previous year (+3.3%; +27,300). The region’s unemployment rate decreased 0.2 percentage points to 5.7%. Hiring in several sectors will contribute to the regional economy. What else is happening in this region?

Northeast

280,100 people employed

Up 3.3% since May 2024

In April, the Northeast economic region experienced one of the highest proportional gains in employment (+3.3%; +9,000) year-over-year. The unemployment rate in the region increased by 0.1 percentage points to 5.9%. Investments in construction will continue to contribute to regional job growth. What else is happening in this region?

Last data refresh: 2025-06-17 23:00:47

Date modified: