Behind the Numbers

September Industry Snapshot: A Mixed Picture Across Industries in the Oshawa CMA

September’s employment figures show growth in retail, finance and transportation alongside declines in education and manufacturing. Explore the latest industry trends in the Oshawa CMA.

September Labour Force Snapshot: Unemployment Rises in the Oshawa CMA

The Oshawa CMA’s unemployment rate reached 9.8 per cent in September as employment and labour force participation declined. Explore the latest figures and comparisons with Ontario and Canada.

September 2026 Labour Market Update: Unemployment Rises as Recruitment Continues

Unemployment increased in September while Durham employers continued recruiting. DWA brings together labour force, industry employment and Jobs First Durham data to explore the local labour market.

Q2 2026 Labour Market Insights: Durham Region’s Labour Market Gains Momentum

Durham Region’s labour market strengthened during the second quarter of 2026, with higher employer demand, increased hiring activity, and shorter recruitment timelines. Explore the key labour market trends shaping the region’s workforce.

Behind the Numbers: June 2026 – Labour Market Trends

June 2026 labour market data highlights continued employment growth across Durham Region, with gains in manufacturing, health care, transportation, and construction. Explore what the latest Labour Force Survey and Employment by Industry data reveal about workforce participation, employment trends, and emerging opportunities.

Behind the Numbers: May 2026 – Labour Market Trends

Durham Region’s labour market continued to grow in May 2026, with employment reaching its highest level in more than two years. Explore the latest trends in employment, unemployment, industry performance, and what they mean for employers, jobseekers, and workforce planning across the region.

Behind the Numbers: April 2026 – Labour Market Trends

April 2026 labour market trends highlight continued employment growth across Durham Region, with gains concentrated in health care, manufacturing, and transportation. Explore what the latest data reveals about emerging opportunities and evolving workforce demands.

Tariff Pressures and Workforce Shifts in Durham Region

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.

Do Fewer Job Post Mean the Economy is Slowing Down?

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.

Behind the Numbers: Labour Market Trends – February 2026

February 2026 labour market trends highlight a stable but shifting workforce, shaped by sector changes and population growth.