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Canada’s Job Vacancies Rise as Payroll Employment Holds Steady
Canada’s labour market remained relatively steady in June 2026, with job vacancies increasing to 509,100 while payroll employment changed little. Statistics Canada reported that payroll employment increased by just 4,800 employees during the month, following a gain of 45,000 in May. Average weekly earnings also rose 3.4% year over year to $1,343.86.
The latest labour market data provides useful context for workers, employers and newcomers considering employment opportunities in Canada.
Key Labour Market Numbers
| Indicator | June 2026 |
| Payroll employment change | +4,800 |
| Year-over-year payroll employment | +155,000 |
| Job vacancies | 509,100 |
| Job vacancy rate | 2.8% |
| Average weekly earnings | $1,343.86 |
| Year-over-year earnings growth | 3.4% |
| Unemployed people per vacancy | 2.9 |
Statistics Canada notes that the payroll employment figures come from the Survey of Employment, Payrolls and Hours, while job vacancy information comes from the Job Vacancy and Wage Survey.
Which Sectors Added Jobs?
Several sectors recorded payroll employment gains in June.
Public administration posted the largest increase, adding 10,600 employees, an increase of 0.8 per cent. Construction added 2,000 employees, while management of companies and enterprises increased by 900.
Public administration recorded its fourth consecutive monthly increase. Since February, payroll employment in the sector increased by 39,600, with recent gains associated in part with federal government hiring of census enumerators and crew leaders.
Construction payroll employment also increased in June and was up by 17,600 compared with a year earlier.
Manufacturing and Retail Employment Declined
The June figures were not positive across every sector.
Manufacturing payroll employment declined by 7,200, marking its first monthly decrease since December 2025. Accommodation and food services declined by 6,100, while retail trade fell by 3,900.
Despite the monthly decline, manufacturing job vacancies have continued to trend upward. Statistics Canada reported that manufacturing vacancies increased by 6,400, or 19.2 per cent, between July 2025 and June 2026.
More Than Half a Million Job Vacancies
Canada recorded 509,100 job vacancies in June, an increase of 10,500 from May and 13,800 from June 2025. The national job vacancy rate remained at 2.8 per cent.
The number of unemployed people per vacancy fell to 2.9, compared with 3.0 in May and 3.1 in June 2025.
This measure suggests that the number of unemployed people relative to available vacancies has declined, although it should not be interpreted as meaning that every vacancy is suitable for every job seeker.
Where Were Vacancies Highest?
British Columbia recorded the highest provincial job vacancy rate in June at 3.2 per cent.
Quebec and British Columbia also recorded year-over-year increases in the number of vacancies, with Quebec adding 6,100 and British Columbia adding 5,700. Prince Edward Island recorded a smaller but proportionally significant increase.
New Brunswick was the only province or territory to record a month-over-month decline in vacancies in June.
Wages Continue to Rise
Average weekly earnings reached $1,343.86 in June, representing a 3.4 per cent increase from a year earlier. Monthly earnings increased by 0.6 per cent.
Statistics Canada cautions that changes in average weekly earnings can reflect several factors, including wage changes, the composition of employment, hours worked and base-year effects.
Average weekly hours remained at approximately 33.4 hours in June.
What the Figures Mean for Newcomers and Immigration
Canada’s labour market data is closely watched in the immigration sector because employment conditions can influence provincial and federal immigration priorities.
However, job vacancies should not automatically be interpreted as evidence that an occupation qualifies for an immigration pathway.
Immigration programs have their own eligibility requirements, and labour market demand is only one factor that governments may consider when designing or adjusting programs.
For newcomers, the latest data nevertheless provides an indication of where employment demand exists across different sectors and regions.
A Mixed But Stable Labour Market Picture
The June figures present a mixed picture.
Payroll employment was broadly stable, while vacancies increased. Public administration and construction recorded gains, whereas manufacturing, accommodation and food services and retail trade experienced declines.
At the same time, average weekly earnings continued to increase and the unemployment-to-vacancy ratio edged lower.
The next SEPH and Job Vacancy and Wage Survey data release covering July 2026 is scheduled for September 24, 2026, according to Statistics Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many job vacancies were recorded in Canada in June 2026?
Statistics Canada reported 509,100 job vacancies in June 2026.
Did Canadian payroll employment increase in June?
Payroll employment increased by 4,800 employees, or 0.0 per cent, following an increase of 45,000 in May.
What was the average weekly earning in Canada in June 2026?
Average weekly earnings were $1,343.86, up 3.4 per cent from a year earlier.
Which province had the highest job vacancy rate?
British Columbia recorded the highest provincial job vacancy rate at 3.2 per cent in June 2026.
Does a job vacancy mean an occupation is eligible for Canadian immigration?
No. Job vacancies and immigration eligibility are separate. Candidates must meet the requirements of the specific immigration program or pathway they are applying through.
