Canada Adds Jobs in December 2025, Boosting Newcomer Prospects
Canada’s Job Market Ends 2025 on Stable Ground
Canada wrapped up 2025 with a labour market that showed real resilience. The Canada employment report December 2025 confirmed that overall employment held steady while wages kept climbing and healthcare hiring picked up steam.
Sure, unemployment ticked up slightly, but the bigger picture shows a labour market that’s adjusting rather than falling apart. For immigrants, international students, and anyone planning their Canadian future, these trends really matter.
They influence which jobs are available, which sectors need workers, and how successful your settlement will be. Canada keeps making room for skilled workers in healthcare, services, and community roles.
December Numbers Show Stability with Some Important Shifts
According to the Canada employment report December 2025, the country added a modest 8,200 jobs while keeping the employment rate steady at 60.9%. This came after three strong months that brought more than 180,000 new positions.
Full time work increased while part time jobs declined, pointing toward more stable employment arrangements. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate climbed to 6.8% as more people started looking for work. This rise doesn’t signal widespread job losses though.
It actually shows more Canadians feel confident enough to actively search for work. Canada’s labour market continues balancing opportunity with healthy competition.
Healthcare and Social Services Keep Adding Jobs
One of the brightest spots in the Canada employment report December 2025 is healthcare and social assistance. This sector added 21,000 jobs in December alone and grew by 85,000 positions over the entire year.
These gains reflect Canada’s continued investment in public health, elder care, and community services. For internationally trained professionals, this matters a lot. Healthcare remains one of the most accessible and in demand sectors for newcomers.
Canada keeps opening doors for nurses, personal support workers, and social service professionals. Other services like personal and repair work also grew, showing strong community level demand.
Some Sectors Face Temporary Setbacks
While healthcare gained momentum, a few sectors saw declines. Professional scientific and technical services lost some ground. Accommodation and food services also recorded fewer jobs during this period.
These changes reflect economic adjustments, seasonal patterns, and shifting business needs. For newcomers, this underscores why choosing sectors with stable demand matters so much. Healthcare, social services, and community support roles keep offering stronger job security.
Wages Keep Rising Across the Country
The Canada employment report December 2025 showed average hourly wages increased by 3.4 percent year over year, reaching 37.06 dollars. This steady wage growth helps people afford housing and maintain quality of life.
For immigrants and new residents, rising wages improve settlement outcomes significantly. They support housing costs, education expenses, and family stability. Canada’s labour market isn’t just creating jobs but also improving what those jobs pay.
This makes Canada more attractive as a destination for skilled workers seeking better opportunities.
Regional Patterns Show Where Opportunities Are Growing
Employment increased in Quebec while Alberta and Saskatchewan saw declines. Ontario remained relatively stable with slight growth over the year. These regional shifts really matter for newcomers choosing where to settle.
| Province | December Trend |
|---|---|
| Quebec | Employment increased |
| Alberta | Employment decreased |
| Saskatchewan | Employment decreased |
| Ontario | Little change |
| Other provinces | Stable |
Quebec’s growth highlights opportunities in healthcare and services. Ontario’s steady position reflects its large and diverse economy. Alberta’s adjustment shows resource dependent regions are stabilizing after strong earlier growth.
Different Age Groups Show Contrasting Trends
The Canada employment report December 2025 revealed interesting differences by age group. Employment rose among people aged 55 and older while youth employment actually declined. Youth unemployment increased as fewer young people found work.
For international students and recent graduates, this points to a more competitive entry level market. It also highlights how valuable Canadian education, work experience, and targeted skills become. Older workers returning reflects both confidence and demand for experienced talent.
Platform Work Remains Important for Newcomers
The report also showed digital platform work remained steady, with recent immigrants much more likely to use online platforms for income. This reflects flexibility, accessibility, and the need for quick labour market entry.
For newcomers, platform work can provide short term income while you get established. However, Canada’s long term strength lies in permanent, stable employment pathways that offer better security and growth.
What This Means for Your Canadian Future
The Canada employment report December 2025 sends a clear message about stability. Canada’s labour market is adjusting but not weakening. For immigrants, Canada remains a strong choice for long term settlement.
The country continues managing change while protecting opportunity for skilled workers. And newcomers continue playing a key role in building Canada’s economy and communities.
The Canada employment report December 2025 confirms Canada’s labour market remains steady, with healthcare growth, rising wages, and regional opportunities spread across the country. While some sectors adjust, the overall picture stays positive for skilled workers and newcomers planning their futures here.
