January shows weaker construction employment in Ontario:

15-Feb-2026

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According to the latest economic update by the Ontario Construction Secretariat, construction employment in Ontario declined in January, with fewer people working in the sector and a higher unemployment rate.

Labour force losses were concentrated among younger workers, while core working-age employment increased. Women’s share of the workforce remained stable, with improved unemployment outcomes. Union coverage continues to be strong and stable, remaining above the national average.

The Ontario Construction Secretariat noted that Ontario’s construction sector saw a decline in employment at the start of 2026. The number of people employed fell by 8,700 in January, raising the unemployment 

rate to 7.1 per cent from 5.7 per cent in December. This was the weakest employment level in the sector since 2022.

The unemployment rate across all industries in Ontario, however, stood at 7.3 per cent in January.

The total construction labour force also continued to shrink, down by 25,800 people compared to January 2025, according to the report.