Statistics Canada says a boost in the number of people looking for work in December drove the unemployment rate higher at the end of the year. Canada created just 8,200 new jobs in December, while the unemployment rate rose to 6.8 per cent, up from 6.5 per cent the month before. December's job gains were concentrated in full-time work, which added 50,200 jobs in December, while part-time ‍employment fell ⁠by 42,000. Douglas Porter, BMO's chief economist, said the December figures bring job gains back to a more "realistic place." Friday's jobs report marks the Bank of Canada's last look at the state of the labour market before its first interest-rate decision of the year later this month.

Source: CBC News January 10, 2026 11:22 UTC