Ontario construction unemployment rate edges up: OCS

The Ontario Construction Secretariat's recent Contractor Survey indicates a rise in the construction unemployment rate to 9.5%, reflecting a significant contraction in employment by 4.1% year-over-year as of March. The report highlights a sharper decline in employment among women, particularly those aged 55 and over, while men's employment fell by 2%, but youth employment saw a growth of 16.8%. This current unemployment rate is the highest for March since 2017, with Ontario's overall unemployment figures potentially impacted by broader economic challenges such as auto tariffs.