Construction employment rises in July

31-Aug-2026

.

According to an economic update by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS), Ontario’s construction labour market improved in July 2026, with the unemployment rate falling to 5.0 per cent and employment increasing by approximately 14,200 workers.

The OCS notes that younger workers drove much of the monthly growth, although the longer-term trend continues to show an aging construction workforce. Significant hiring needs are expected over the next decade as the industry responds to retirements and future construction demand.

Ontario’s construction unemployment rate fell to 5.0 per cent in July, down from 5.5 per cent in June 2026. The construction labour force increased by approximately 11,800 workers compared with the previous month. However, the labour force remained about 4,400 workers below its level at the same time last year.

Construction employment increased by approximately 14,200 jobs, or 2.4 per cent, from June 2026. Despite this monthly improvement, employment remained 1.3 per cent below the level recorded one year earlier, according to the report.