Ontario Sees Job Growth in July 2024

Employment in Ontario increased by 22,000 jobs (+0.3%) in July 2024. This growth was driven by gains in full-time employment (+70,000; +1.1%), which were partially offset by declines in part-time work (-48,000; -3.2%). The unemployment rate in Ontario fell by 0.3 percentage points to 6.7% in July, reversing a similar increase in June.

Nationally, employment was relatively stable in July, with a slight decrease of 2,800 jobs (-0.0%). The employment rate fell by 0.2 percentage points to 60.9%, while the unemployment rate remained unchanged at 6.4%.

Employment decreased among women aged 55 to 64 (-41,000; -2.6%) and men in the same age group (-15,000; -0.8%). Young men aged 15 to 24 also saw a decline in employment (-20,000; -1.5%), whereas employment increased among men aged 25 to 54 (+48,000; +0.7%).

By industry, employment fell in wholesale and retail trade (-44,000; -1.5%) and in finance, insurance, real estate, rental, and leasing (-15,000; -1.0%). Conversely, employment increased in public administration (+20,000; +1.6%), transportation and warehousing (+15,000; +1.4%), and utilities (+6,200; +4.2%).

In terms of regional employment changes, Manitoba saw a decline of 5,400 jobs (-0.8%) and Nova Scotia experienced a decrease of 4,800 jobs (-0.9%). Meanwhile, Saskatchewan reported an increase of 6,700 jobs (+1.1%).

Total hours worked across Canada rose by 1.0% in July and were up 1.9% compared to 12 months earlier. Average hourly wages increased by 5.2% year-over-year, rising by $1.73 to $34.97.

The employment rate for returning students aged 15 to 24 was 51.3% in July, down 6.8 percentage points from July 2023.