Ongoing tariffs and trade uncertainty continue to reshape the economic landscape, with growing impacts on businesses and workers in Durham Region. While manufacturing and export-driven industries face the greatest risks, ripple effects are being felt across sectors through rising costs and supply chain disruptions. Local data from the DWA Employer Survey and broader insights from Statistics Canada highlight how employers are adapting—and how new workforce investments aim to support workers in transition.
A decline in job postings doesn’t automatically mean the economy is slowing. While vacancy rates have eased and some sectors face pressure, broader labour market conditions—shaped by interest rates, global trade uncertainty, and employer adjustments—tell a more nuanced story. Local data from Jobs First Durham shows that hiring activity in Durham Region remained stable in early 2026, highlighting the importance of looking beyond a single indicator when assessing economic health.
In May of 2025, the Region of Durham Social Services and Health Departments convened community members to drive an action-oriented response to poverty. This was a continuation of work that began in 2020 but was waylaid by the pandemic.
February 2026 industry data shows shifting demand across Durham Region, with strong growth in health care and declines in retail and professional services.
In 2025, hiring demand in Durham shifted toward healthcare, care services, and infrastructure roles. This blog explores which sectors and occupations shaped the year.
Durham’s labour market remained resilient in 2025. While job postings declined, faster hiring and rising jobseeker engagement point to a market that is adjusting, not contracting.
The Durham Workforce Authority has joined the Canadian Queer Chamber of Commerce as part of its commitment to inclusive, evidence-based workforce development. This membership aligns with DWA’s research strategy, informed by community consultation, and supports labour market analysis that better reflects the diversity of Durham Region’s workforce.
We are collecting data to better understand who is looking for work and what kind of opportunities jobseekers are searching for. This data is completely anonymous and non-personally identifiable.
