June employment in Brantford-Brant saw the largest month-over-month increase in employment in almost three years, even as the monthly jobless rate climbed.
The local unemployment rate grew to 7 per cent, up from May’s 6.7 per cent, according to seasonally adjusted estimates from Statistics Canada. Meanwhile, Brantford area’s labour force grew by an estimated 1,900 individuals month over month, and employment rose by 1,600.
Nation-wide, the unemployment rate shrunk by 0.1 per cent – to 6.9 per cent – as more people looked for and found work. Ontario saw similar trends of rising employment and a 0.1 per cent decline in the jobless rate – currently at 7.8 per cent.
Norfolk County, too, experienced growth in workforce participation and employment, causing the unemployment rate to dip steeply – to 4.8 per cent – last month.
The jobless rate climbed in some surrounding communities, such as Guelph and London, while it dipped in others (Hamilton), but most regions continued to see growth in labour force participation and employment.
In Brantford-Brant, June employment increased most dramatically amongst young men (aged 15-24). Participation grew across most other demographics too, except for older adults (55 and over), with many of these new labour market entrants finding work.
“It is fantastic to see more people, especially youth, engaged in the labour market,” said Danette Dalton, the Workforce Planning Board’s executive director. “That said, we need to continue to find ways to support workers in trades, transport and manufacturing jobs that are experiencing declines due to the economic uncertainty. The best way for residents to do this is to support local and Canadian businesses.”
The Grand Erie Jobs online job board run by the planning board recorded almost 1,900 new jobs posted by 1,000 employers from across the Grand Erie region in June. New postings have been on the decline, but businesses are finding suitable candidates for their vacancies faster than before.
Visit Statistics Canada’s website to read their news release on the June 2025 employment numbers for Canada and Ontario.
