Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
Symbol of the Government of Canada

Human Resources and Skills Development Canada

www.hrsdc.gc.ca

Breadcrumb

  1. Home > Well-being Home > Work >
  2. Employment Rate

Indicators of Well-being in Canada


Work - Employment Rate

Status

  1. Employment Rate
  2. Weekly Earnings
  3. Weekly Hours Worked

Life events

  1. Strikes and Lockouts
  2. Unemployment Duration
  3. Unemployment Rate
  4. Work-related Injuries

Key influences

  1. Unionization Rates
Definition and Methodology | Display High Contrast Charts

Relevance

The employment rate shows the percentage of Canadian adults (15 years of age and over) working for pay, and thus in a position to earn income to take care of themselves and their families.

Summary

  • National Picture — Economic cycles and recessions notwithstanding, Canada's employment rate increased over the last three decades and a half. In 2011, the percentage of adult Canadians who were holding a job was 61.8%, up from 57.1% in 1976, an increase of 4.7 percentage points.
  • Gender — In 2011, the employment rate for men was 65.9% compared to 57.9% for women.
  • Age — In 2011, the employment rate was 11.3% for individuals aged 65 years and over and 81.0% for individuals aged 25 to 44.
  • Lone Parents, Recent Immigrants, Aboriginal People, and People with Disabilities — In 2006, the employment rate ranged from 62.2% for lone parents to 51.3% for people with disabilities. The employment rate of people with disabilities increased by almost 5 percentage points, from 46.4% in 2001 to 51.3% in 2006.
  • Permanent and Temporary Employment — In 2011, 45.2% of working-age Canadians had permanent jobs, while 7.1% were in temporary employment.
  • Part-time and Full-time Employment — In 2011, 11.8% of working-age Canadians worked part-time, whereas 50.0% worked full-time.
  • Women with Children — The employment rate for women with children under six years old was 66.8% in 2011, more than double the rate in 1976 (31.4%).
  • Regions — In 2011, the employment rate varied from 52.5% in Newfoundland and Labrador to 69.7% in Alberta.
  • International Picture — In 2011, Canada's employment rate was the second highest among G7 countries.
  • Employment Rate of Total Population — The percentage of the total Canadian population who held a job (an alternative measure of how many individuals are working) increased from 41.6% in 1976 to 50.2% in 2011.

National Picture

Despite three recessions in the last 35 years, Canada's employment rate increased over time from 57.1% in 1976 to 61.8% in 2011. The employment rate decreased with the 2008-2009 recesssion, but considerably less than during the 1981-1982 and 1990-1992 recessions.


This Chart contains data for Employment rate, Canada, 1976-2011. Information is available in table below 2011 = 61.8 2010 = 61.6 2009 = 61.6 2008 = 63.5 2007 = 63.4 2006 = 62.8 2005 = 62.5 2004 = 62.6 2003 = 62.4 2002 = 61.7 2001 = 61.1 2000 = 61.3 1999 = 60.6 1998 = 59.7 1997 = 59.0 1996 = 58.5 1995 = 58.7 1994 = 58.4 1993 = 57.9 1992 = 58.3 1991 = 59.7 1990 = 61.7 1989 = 62.2 1988 = 61.7 1987 = 60.6 1986 = 59.8 1985 = 58.8 1984 = 57.7 1983 = 56.9 1982 = 57.3 1981 = 60.1 1980 = 59.4 1979 = 58.9 1978 = 57.5 1977 = 56.9 1976 = 57.1 (percent) Employment rate, Canada, 1976-2011

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate, Canada, 1976-2011 (percent)
197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
57.156.957.558.959.460.157.356.957.758.859.860.661.762.261.759.758.357.958.458.758.559.059.760.661.361.161.762.462.662.562.863.463.561.661.661.8

Gender

Employment has grown more rapidly among women than men. Between 1976 and 2011, the employment rate for women rose from 41.9% to 57.9%, a 16.0 percentage point increase. On the other hand, the employment rate for men declined by 6.8 percentage points from 72.7% in 1976 to 65.9% in 2011.


This Chart contains data for Employment rate, by gender, 1976-2011. Information is available in table below 2011 (Both sexes) = 61.8 2010 (Both sexes) = 61.6 2009 (Both sexes) = 61.6 2008 (Both sexes) = 63.5 2007 (Both sexes) = 63.4 2006 (Both sexes) = 62.8 2005 (Both sexes) = 62.5 2004 (Both sexes) = 62.6 2003 (Both sexes) = 62.4 2002 (Both sexes) = 61.7 2001 (Both sexes) = 61.1 2000 (Both sexes) = 61.3 1999 (Both sexes) = 60.6 1998 (Both sexes) = 59.7 1997 (Both sexes) = 59.0 1996 (Both sexes) = 58.5 1995 (Both sexes) = 58.7 1994 (Both sexes) = 58.4 1993 (Both sexes) = 57.9 1992 (Both sexes) = 58.3 1991 (Both sexes) = 59.7 1990 (Both sexes) = 61.7 1989 (Both sexes) = 62.2 1988 (Both sexes) = 61.7 1987 (Both sexes) = 60.6 1986 (Both sexes) = 59.8 1985 (Both sexes) = 58.8 1984 (Both sexes) = 57.7 1983 (Both sexes) = 56.9 1982 (Both sexes) = 57.3 1981 (Both sexes) = 60.1 1980 (Both sexes) = 59.4 1979 (Both sexes) = 58.9 1978 (Both sexes) = 57.5 1977 (Both sexes) = 56.9 1976 (Both sexes) = 57.1 2011 (Men) = 65.9 2010 (Men) = 65.4 2009 (Men) = 65.1 2008 (Men) = 68.0 2007 (Men) = 67.9 2006 (Men) = 67.6 2005 (Men) = 67.7 2004 (Men) = 67.7 2003 (Men) = 67.5 2002 (Men) = 67.1 2001 (Men) = 66.8 2000 (Men) = 67.3 1999 (Men) = 66.7 1998 (Men) = 66.0 1997 (Men) = 65.5 1996 (Men) = 65.0 1995 (Men) = 65.4 1994 (Men) = 65.1 1993 (Men) = 64.6 1992 (Men) = 65.0 1991 (Men) = 66.9 1990 (Men) = 69.9 1989 (Men) = 71.1 1988 (Men) = 70.9 1987 (Men) = 70.3 1986 (Men) = 69.6 1985 (Men) = 68.7 1984 (Men) = 68.0 1983 (Men) = 67.4 1982 (Men) = 68.4 1981 (Men) = 72.8 1980 (Men) = 72.8 1979 (Men) = 73.1 1978 (Men) = 72.0 1977 (Men) = 71.9 1976 (Men) = 72.7 2011 (Women) = 57.9 2010 (Women) = 57.9 2009 (Women) = 58.1 2008 (Women) = 59.1 2007 (Women) = 59.0 2006 (Women) = 58.1 2005 (Women) = 57.6 2004 (Women) = 57.7 2003 (Women) = 57.4 2002 (Women) = 56.5 2001 (Women) = 55.6 2000 (Women) = 55.4 1999 (Women) = 54.6 1998 (Women) = 53.7 1997 (Women) = 52.6 1996 (Women) = 52.1 1995 (Women) = 52.2 1994 (Women) = 51.9 1993 (Women) = 51.5 1992 (Women) = 51.9 1991 (Women) = 52.8 1990 (Women) = 53.8 1989 (Women) = 53.6 1988 (Women) = 52.7 1987 (Women) = 51.3 1986 (Women) = 50.3 1985 (Women) = 49.1 1984 (Women) = 47.7 1983 (Women) = 46.8 1982 (Women) = 46.5 1981 (Women) = 47.7 1980 (Women) = 46.4 1979 (Women) = 45.1 1978 (Women) = 43.4 1977 (Women) = 42.3 1976 (Women) = 41.9 (percent) Employment rate, by gender, 1976-2011

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate, by gender, 1976-2011 (percent)
197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Both sexes57.156.957.558.959.460.157.356.957.758.859.860.661.762.261.759.758.357.958.458.758.559.059.760.661.361.161.762.462.662.562.863.463.561.661.661.8
Men72.771.972.073.172.872.868.467.468.068.769.670.370.971.169.966.965.064.665.165.465.065.566.066.767.366.867.167.567.767.767.667.968.065.165.465.9
Women41.942.343.445.146.447.746.546.847.749.150.351.352.753.653.852.851.951.551.952.252.152.653.754.655.455.656.557.457.757.658.159.059.158.157.957.9

Age

In 2011, Canadians aged 25 to 44 were the most likely to be working compared to other age groups: 81.0% of them had jobs. The employment rate was 55.4% for youth aged 15 to 24 and 71.0% for individuals aged 45 to 64. Among seniors, 11.3% had jobs in 2011.


This Chart contains data for Employment rate, by age, 2011. Information is available in table below 65+ years = 11.3 45-64 years = 71.0 25-44 years = 81.0 15-24 years = 55.4 (percent) Employment rate, by age, 2011

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate, by age, 2011 (percent)
15-24 years25-44 years45-64 years65+ years
55.481.071.011.3

Lone Parents, Recent Immigrants, Aboriginal People, and People with Disabilities

In 2006, the employment rate ranged from 62.2% for lone parents to 51.3% for people with disabilities. Falling in between, the employment rate for recent immigrants was 58.9%, and for Aboriginal people was 53.8%. The employment rate of people with disabilities aged 15 to 64 increased by almost 5 percentage points from 46.4% in 2001 to 51.3% in 2006.


This Chart contains data for Employment rate, selected groups, 2006. Information is available in table below People with disabilities = 51.3 Aboriginal people = 53.8 Recent immigrants = 58.9 Lone parents = 62.2 Canadian average = 63.0 (percent) Employment rate, selected groups, 2006

Source: Data for lone parents, recent immigrants and Aboriginal people, HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Census 2006 data (not published); and for people with disabilities, Statistics Canada. Participation and Activity Limitation Survey 2006: Tables (part III) (see Table 1). Ottawa. Statistics Canada, 2009. (Cat. No. 89-628-XWE).


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate, selected groups, 2006 (percent)
Canadian averageLone parentsRecent immigrantsAboriginal peoplePeople with disabilities
63.062.258.953.851.3

Permanent and Temporary Employment

In 2011, 45.2% of Canadians (15 years and over) had permanent employment, up from 43.4% in 1997. Employees with temporary jobs accounted for 7.1% of the working-age population in 2011, up from 5.5% in 1997.


This Chart contains data for Permanent and temporary employment rates, 1997-2011. Information is available in table below 2011 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.2 2010 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.0 2009 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.3 2008 (Permanent employment rate) = 47.2 2007 (Permanent employment rate) = 46.6 2006 (Permanent employment rate) = 46.2 2005 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.8 2004 (Permanent employment rate) = 46.1 2003 (Permanent employment rate) = 46.2 2002 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.6 2001 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.2 2000 (Permanent employment rate) = 45.0 1999 (Permanent employment rate) = 44.3 1998 (Permanent employment rate) = 43.6 1997 (Permanent employment rate) = 43.4 2011 (Temporary employment rate) = 7.1 2010 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.9 2009 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.5 2008 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.6 2007 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.9 2006 (Temporary employment rate) = 7.0 2005 (Temporary employment rate) = 7.0 2004 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.7 2003 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.6 2002 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.8 2001 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.6 2000 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.4 1999 (Temporary employment rate) = 6.0 1998 (Temporary employment rate) = 5.8 1997 (Temporary employment rate) = 5.5 (percent of population 15 years and over) Permanent and temporary employment rates, 1997-2011

Source: HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), employees by job permanency, North American Industry Classification System (NAICS), sex and age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0080). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012; and Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Permanent and temporary employment rates, 1997-2011 (percent of population 15 years and over)
199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Permanent employment rate43.443.644.345.045.245.646.246.145.846.246.647.245.345.045.2
Temporary employment rate5.55.86.06.46.66.86.66.77.07.06.96.66.56.97.1

Part-time and Full-time Employment

Part-time employment has increased over the last three decades. The part-time employment rate increased from 7.1% in 1976 to 11.8% in 2011. Full-time employment rates have remained fairly constant during the same time, being at 50.0% in both 1976 and 2011.

Part-time employment rates increased most notably among youth aged 15 to 24. Almost half (47.4%) of the employed 15-to-24 year-olds worked part-time in 2011, compared with one in five (21.1%) in 1976.[1]

In 2011, 27.2% of part-time workers stated a preference to be working full time. These are considered to be involuntary part-time workers.[2]

This Chart contains data for Part-time and full-time employment rates, 1976-2011. Information is available in table below 2011 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.0 2010 (Full-time employment rate) = 49.7 2009 (Full-time employment rate) = 49.7 2008 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.7 2007 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.8 2006 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.4 2005 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.0 2004 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.0 2003 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.6 2002 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.1 2001 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.1 2000 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.2 1999 (Full-time employment rate) = 49.4 1998 (Full-time employment rate) = 48.5 1997 (Full-time employment rate) = 47.7 1996 (Full-time employment rate) = 47.3 1995 (Full-time employment rate) = 47.7 1994 (Full-time employment rate) = 47.3 1993 (Full-time employment rate) = 46.8 1992 (Full-time employment rate) = 47.5 1991 (Full-time employment rate) = 48.9 1990 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.2 1989 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.8 1988 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.3 1987 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.5 1986 (Full-time employment rate) = 49.7 1985 (Full-time employment rate) = 48.7 1984 (Full-time employment rate) = 48.0 1983 (Full-time employment rate) = 47.4 1982 (Full-time employment rate) = 48.2 1981 (Full-time employment rate) = 51.2 1980 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.9 1979 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.8 1978 (Full-time employment rate) = 49.9 1977 (Full-time employment rate) = 49.5 1976 (Full-time employment rate) = 50.0 2011 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.8 2010 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.9 2009 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.8 2008 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.8 2007 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.6 2006 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.4 2005 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.5 2004 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.6 2003 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.8 2002 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.6 2001 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.1 2000 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.1 1999 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.1 1998 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.2 1997 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.2 1996 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.2 1995 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.0 1994 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.1 1993 (Part-time employment rate) = 11.1 1992 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.8 1991 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.8 1990 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.5 1989 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.3 1988 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.4 1987 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.1 1986 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.1 1985 (Part-time employment rate) = 10.0 1984 (Part-time employment rate) = 9.7 1983 (Part-time employment rate) = 9.6 1982 (Part-time employment rate) = 9.1 1981 (Part-time employment rate) = 8.9 1980 (Part-time employment rate) = 8.5 1979 (Part-time employment rate) = 8.1 1978 (Part-time employment rate) = 7.6 1977 (Part-time employment rate) = 7.4 1976 (Part-time employment rate) = 7.1 (percent) Part-time and full-time employment rates, 1976-2011

Source: HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Part-time and full-time employment rates, 1976-2011 (percent)
197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Full-time employment rate50.049.549.950.850.951.248.247.448.048.749.750.551.351.851.248.947.546.847.347.747.347.748.549.450.250.150.150.651.051.051.451.851.749.749.750.0
Part-time employment rate7.17.47.68.18.58.99.19.69.710.010.110.110.410.310.510.810.811.111.111.011.211.211.211.111.111.111.611.811.611.511.411.611.811.811.911.8

Women with Children

The employment rate of women with children experienced a large increase between 1976 and 2011, especially among women with children under six years old. In 2011, the employment rate for women with children under six years old was 66.8%, up from 31.4% in 1976, and 78.7% for women with children from 6 to 15 years old, up from 46.4% in 1976.

This Chart contains data for Employment rate for women, by age of youngest child, 1976-2011. Information is available in table below 2011 (Child under 6 years) = 66.8 2010 (Child under 6 years) = 66.9 2009 (Child under 6 years) = 66.4 2008 (Child under 6 years) = 66.7 2007 (Child under 6 years) = 68.0 2006 (Child under 6 years) = 66.3 2005 (Child under 6 years) = 67.1 2004 (Child under 6 years) = 66.5 2003 (Child under 6 years) = 65.2 2002 (Child under 6 years) = 64.5 2001 (Child under 6 years) = 63.7 2000 (Child under 6 years) = 63.2 1999 (Child under 6 years) = 62.6 1998 (Child under 6 years) = 61.2 1997 (Child under 6 years) = 60.2 1996 (Child under 6 years) = 58.9 1995 (Child under 6 years) = 57.7 1994 (Child under 6 years) = 57.0 1993 (Child under 6 years) = 56.3 1992 (Child under 6 years) = 56.0 1991 (Child under 6 years) = 56.5 1990 (Child under 6 years) = 55.8 1989 (Child under 6 years) = 55.4 1988 (Child under 6 years) = 54.3 1987 (Child under 6 years) = 52.5 1986 (Child under 6 years) = 51.4 1985 (Child under 6 years) = 48.9 1984 (Child under 6 years) = 46.1 1983 (Child under 6 years) = 44.4 1982 (Child under 6 years) = 42.1 1981 (Child under 6 years) = 42.1 1980 (Child under 6 years) = 40.1 1979 (Child under 6 years) = 37.8 1978 (Child under 6 years) = 35.4 1977 (Child under 6 years) = 32.7 1976 (Child under 6 years) = 31.4 2011 (Child 6-15 years) = 78.7 2010 (Child 6-15 years) = 78.6 2009 (Child 6-15 years) = 78.5 2008 (Child 6-15 years) = 80.0 2007 (Child 6-15 years) = 79.4 2006 (Child 6-15 years) = 78.2 2005 (Child 6-15 years) = 77.4 2004 (Child 6-15 years) = 77.1 2003 (Child 6-15 years) = 76.8 2002 (Child 6-15 years) = 77.0 2001 (Child 6-15 years) = 75.3 2000 (Child 6-15 years) = 74.4 1999 (Child 6-15 years) = 73.4 1998 (Child 6-15 years) = 72.2 1997 (Child 6-15 years) = 71.2 1996 (Child 6-15 years) = 69.8 1995 (Child 6-15 years) = 69.8 1994 (Child 6-15 years) = 68.5 1993 (Child 6-15 years) = 68.5 1992 (Child 6-15 years) = 68.0 1991 (Child 6-15 years) = 69.0 1990 (Child 6-15 years) = 70.1 1989 (Child 6-15 years) = 69.0 1988 (Child 6-15 years) = 66.5 1987 (Child 6-15 years) = 63.8 1986 (Child 6-15 years) = 61.9 1985 (Child 6-15 years) = 59.1 1984 (Child 6-15 years) = 57.0 1983 (Child 6-15 years) = 55.0 1982 (Child 6-15 years) = 55.3 1981 (Child 6-15 years) = 56.2 1980 (Child 6-15 years) = 53.5 1979 (Child 6-15 years) = 50.9 1978 (Child 6-15 years) = 49.2 1977 (Child 6-15 years) = 47.5 1976 (Child 6-15 years) = 46.4 2011 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 80.9 2010 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 80.2 2009 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 80.4 2008 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 81.2 2007 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 80.8 2006 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 79.8 2005 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 78.6 2004 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 79.3 2003 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 79.0 2002 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 77.8 2001 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 76.8 2000 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 76.3 1999 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 76.1 1998 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 74.8 1997 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 73.5 1996 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 72.4 1995 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 73.0 1994 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 72.1 1993 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 71.6 1992 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 71.6 1991 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 72.6 1990 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 73.5 1989 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 72.7 1988 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 71.7 1987 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 69.8 1986 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 69.3 1985 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 67.9 1984 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 66.1 1983 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 65.7 1982 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 64.9 1981 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 66.0 1980 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 65.2 1979 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 64.1 1978 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 62.3 1977 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 61.2 1976 (Woman under 55, no children under 16) = 60.9 (percent) Employment rate for women, by age of youngest child, 1976-2011

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour Force Historical Review 2010 (Table 217). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012 (Cat. No. 71F0004XVB).


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate for women, by age of youngest child, 1976-2011 (percent)
197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
Child under 6 years31.432.735.437.840.142.142.144.446.148.951.452.554.355.455.856.556.056.357.057.758.960.261.262.663.263.764.565.266.567.166.368.066.766.466.966.8
Child 6-15 years46.447.549.250.953.556.255.355.057.059.161.963.866.569.070.169.068.068.568.569.869.871.272.273.474.475.377.076.877.177.478.279.480.078.578.678.7
Woman under 55, no children under 1660.961.262.364.165.266.064.965.766.167.969.369.871.772.773.572.671.671.672.173.072.473.574.876.176.376.877.879.079.378.679.880.881.280.480.280.9

Regions

In 2011, Alberta (69.7%) had the highest employment rate. Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest proportion of adult population holding a job. Its employment rate was 52.5%, 9.3 percentage points below the national average of 61.8%. Newfoundland and Labrador was followed by New Brunswick (56.8%) and Nova Scotia (58.1%).


This Chart contains data for Employment rate, by region, 2011. Information is available in table below BC = 60.2 AB = 69.7 SK = 65.7 MB = 65.5 ON = 61.6 QC = 60.1 NB = 56.8 NS = 58.1 PE = 60.4 NL = 52.5 CAN = 61.8 (percent) Employment rate, by region, 2011

Source: Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate, by region, 2011 (percent)
CANNLPENSNBQCONMBSKABBC
61.852.560.458.156.860.161.665.565.769.760.2

International Picture

In 2011, Canada was second among the G7 countries in employment with an employment rate of 72.0% among people aged 15 to 64 years. Germany led with a rate of 72.6%. Italy, at 56.9% had the lowest employment rate. The average employment rate for OECD countries was 64.8% in 2011.


This Chart contains data for Employment rate, 15-64 year-olds, Canada, OECD and G7 countries, 2011. Information is available in table below Germany = 72.6 Canada = 72.0 United Kingdom = 70.4 Japan = 70.3 United States = 66.6 OECD - average = 64.8 France = 63.8 Italy = 56.9 (percent) Employment rate, 15-64 year-olds, Canada, OECD and G7 countries, 2011

Note: The rate reported here for Canada is different from Canada's employment rate reported in the National Picture. That rate measures employment as a percentage of all Canadians of 15 years of age and older, while OECD measures employment as a percentage of those aged 15 to 64 years of age.

Source: Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). OECD Employment Outlook 2012, Statistical Annex. OECD Statistics. Available from: http://www.oecd.org [cited August, 2012].


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employment rate, 15-64 year-olds, Canada, OECD and G7 countries, 2011 (percent)
ItalyFranceOECD - averageUnited StatesJapanUnited KingdomCanadaGermany
56.963.864.866.670.370.472.072.6

Employment Rate of Total Population

Employment can be measured as a percentage of the total Canadian population instead of the adult population.

By this measure, 50.2% of the total population in 2011 was employed, up 8.6 percentage points from 41.6% in 1976.


This Chart contains data for Employed population, Canada, 1976-2011. Information is available in table below 2011 = 50.2 2010 = 50.0 2009 = 49.9 2008 = 51.3 2007 = 51.0 2006 = 50.4 2005 = 50.0 2004 = 49.8 2003 = 49.5 2002 = 48.8 2001 = 48.2 2000 = 48.1 1999 = 47.4 1998 = 46.6 1997 = 45.8 1996 = 45.3 1995 = 45.4 1994 = 45.0 1993 = 44.6 1992 = 44.9 1991 = 45.9 1990 = 47.3 1989 = 47.6 1988 = 47.4 1987 = 46.6 1986 = 46.0 1985 = 45.1 1984 = 44.1 1983 = 43.5 1982 = 43.6 1981 = 45.5 1980 = 44.8 1979 = 44.1 1978 = 42.6 1977 = 41.8 1976 = 41.6 (percent of total population) Employed population, Canada, 1976-2011

Source: HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and detailed age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0002). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012; and Statistics Canada. Estimates of population, by age group and sex for July 1, Canada, provinces and territories, annual (CANSIM Table 51-0001). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2011.


Warning: This data table may contain very wide content. Horizontal scrolling may be necessary.

Employed population, Canada, 1976-2011 (percent of total population)
197619771978197919801981198219831984198519861987198819891990199119921993199419951996199719981999200020012002200320042005200620072008200920102011
41.641.842.644.144.845.543.643.544.145.146.046.647.447.647.345.944.944.645.045.445.345.846.647.448.148.248.849.549.850.050.451.051.349.950.050.2

Footnotes

  1. HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), part-time employment by reason for part-time work, sex and age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0014). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.

    [Back to Text]

  2. HRSDC calculations based on Statistics Canada. Labour force survey estimates (LFS), part-time employment by reason for part-time work, sex and age group, annual (CANSIM Table 282-0014). Ottawa: Statistics Canada, 2012.

    [Back to Text]

Create Custom Chart

Download Data

To access the Microsoft Excel Format (XLS) version you must have an Excel reader installed. If you do not already have such a reader, there are numerous XLS readers available for free download:

To view the TXT version, use the document conversion features available in most word processing software, or use a file viewer capable of reading TXT.


Next : Weekly Earnings >>
<< Previous : Work

Footer

Date Modified:
2013-05-24