Maple News reports that Canada’s labor market continued its steady rebound in August, adding 246,000 new jobs as the economy recovers from the massive losses tied to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following the lockdowns introduced in March, approximately three million jobs were lost across the country. However, with the gradual lifting of COVID-related restrictions, economic activity has picked up and more Canadians—including immigrants—are returning to work.
According to Statistics Canada’s August Labour Force Survey, national employment rose by 1.4%, bringing the job market to within 5.7% of its pre-pandemic levels. Notably, employment among landed immigrants rose by 1.6%, while recent immigrants saw a 2.2% increase—largely influenced by a declining immigrant population due to fewer arrivals during the pandemic.
Most of the job gains in August were full-time positions, reflecting stronger employer confidence and longer-term demand for labor. The services sector led this rebound with a 1.5% increase, particularly in education, accommodation and food services, and the “other services” category, which includes businesses like hair salons that were hit hard during lockdowns.
The goods-producing sector showed mixed results, with manufacturing seeing gains, partially offset by declines in natural resources. Despite overall progress, Maple News notes that unequal recovery patterns remain across different demographics.
Men’s labor force participation is now just 0.2% below pre-COVID levels, while women’s participation lags further at 1.3% below. Analysts suggest that this gap may be attributed to women shouldering a disproportionate share of childcare responsibilities during school and daycare disruptions.
As the economy continues to heal, these numbers indicate positive momentum—particularly for immigrants, who often face greater employment barriers. The surge in full-time job creation suggests that Canada’s economic foundations are stabilizing, setting the stage for a broader and more inclusive recovery.