September 2025 job numbers showed that Brantford-Brant’s labour force continues to grow, but fewer people are finding work.
The Brantford area unemployment rate rose to 9.7 per cent in September, up from August’s 9.4 per cent, according to the latest seasonally adjusted estimates, released by Statistics Canada.
About 600 more people looked for work over the past month, with 200 finding employment.
Nationwide, September 2025 figures showed that unemployment remained unchanged at 7.1 per cent, while Ontario saw an increase of 0.2 percentage points, to 7.9 per cent last month.
Unemployment in Brantford-Brant remains high compared to neighbouring communities. Across Ontario, only Windsor’s jobless rate was higher, at 10.4 per cent.
In Norfolk County, about 1,400 more people gained employment over the last 3 months. The county’s unemployment rate has decreased consistently since May, and stood at 3.7 per cent as of August 2025.
More people working year over year
While unemployment has increased across the Brantford area, over 7,000 more people were working last month, compared to September 2024.
The biggest growth has been within the construction and manufacturing sectors, particularly amongst trades, transport and equipment operator roles; this occupational group gained 1,100 employees month-over-month. Employment in the healthcare sector has also been climbing steadily since April this year.
Danette Dalton, the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie’s executive director, said that there’s been a growing number of postings for part-time work.
“This may open up options for students, parents, newcomers and others who may be unable to work full-time. It also means more opportunities for employers to collaborate on offering positions jointly to create full-time jobs,” she said.
“Especially in times of economic uncertainty, there is great benefit in seeking out partnerships and connections with the larger business community,” Dalton said. “We encourage businesses to connect with local employment service providers, chamber of commerce groups and industry associations to learn from each other and share resources.”
The Workforce Planning Board’s job board, Grand Erie Jobs, saw 1,850 new job posts in September, up 2% from the month prior.
Visit Statistics Canada’s website to read their news release on the September 2025 employment numbers for Canada and Ontario.
