September 9, 2025
SUMMARY
Both employment and labour force in the Ontario construction sector increased year-over-year (y/y) by about 2%. Month-over-month changes were smaller (about 0.3% increase from July), leaving the unemployment rate relatively unchanged at 4.5%. The construction industry continued to show more resilience than the overall economy, as Ontario’s unemployment rate drifted further up from 8.4% to 8.9% (no seasonal adjustment).
EMPLOYMENT
Ontario’s construction employment increased from 603.5K in July to 605.4K, whereas labour force increased from 631.6K to 633.7K. Year-over-year trends were also sturdy, with a 1.9% y/y increase in employment and a 1.8% y/y increase in the labour force. The unemployment rate was steady, increasing a smidge from 4.4% in July to 4.5% in August (same as it was in August 2024). The Ontario overall unemployment rate however continued to rise even further, up from 8.4% to 8.9%.
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY DEMOGRAPHICS
Men’s employment was slightly down (-0.2% y/y) and labour force was unchanged. The 25-54 age group had a 1.7% y/y increase in employment (352.2K to 358.3K) and 1.3% in the labour force (366.7K to 371.6K). Employment and labour force for men 55+ was up month-to-month but down year-over-year (-4.8% and -6.4%, respectively).
Women’s employment and labour force numbers were slightly down from July but increased by 17.4% y/y and 14.9% y/y, respectively. This increase was concentrated in the 25–54 age group, where women saw a 12.9% y/y increase in employment (49K to 55.3K), and 12.6% y/y in the labour force (50.8K to 57.2K). Employment for women aged 15-24 was steady compared to July and still up significantly in y/y terms (5K to 13K). Such monthly and yearly trends were also present in the youth labour force as well, up from 7K in August 2024 to 13K in August 2025. Similar to the trend for men aged 55+, employment and labour force for women aged 55+ were higher month-over-month, but down y/y (-10% and -5.8%, respectively).
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Ali Ahmad
Research Analyst
Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS)
180 Attwell Drive, Suite 360, Toronto, ON M9W 6A9
P 416.620.5210 ext. 222
aahmad@iciconstruction.com
