Employment in Canada declined by 68,300 in September 2026, the steepest decline in seven months and missing expectations for a 7,000 increase, up from a 41,700 decline in August. This marks the second consecutive month of a decline in employment, split between full-time (-0.2%) and parti-time (-0.9%) work. The number of public sector employees fell 70,000, marking a fourth consecutive monthly decline for the sector, while the number of private sector employees were little changed for a second consecutive month. Self-employment also edged lower, by 23,000. Youth employment also declined for a second consecutive month, by 48,000. Employment fell in educational services (-2.2%), health care and social assistance (-0.8%) and manufacturing (-0.7%). By province, employment fell most in Quebec (-1.1%), followed by British Columbia (-0.7%) and Manitoba (-0.6%). The employment rate fell to 60.6% from 60.8%. On an annual basis, employment was up by 95,000 or 0.5%.