Canada’s labour market ended 2025 with modest gains and signs of cooling.
CBC reports that December saw 8,200 new jobs, driven by 50,200 full-time positions despite a 42,000 decline in part-time roles.
The unemployment rate rose to 6.8%, reflecting increased labour force participation.
Health care and manufacturing sectors posted growth, while professional services contracted.
In Windsor, Stellantis announced over 1,000 new hires for a third shift at its assembly plant, with plans to reach 1,500 by early 2026. This expansion supports production of new Dodge Charger and minivan models, signaling optimism in automotive manufacturing despite broader economic uncertainty.
In this video, University of Windsor professor Peter Frise explains that each one of those 1500 jobs is responsible for 8 to 10 other jobs in the local economy, such as supply parts factory personnel, restaurant workers who serve meals to those Stellantis employees, taxi drivers, retail workers in local clothing stores, and many others.
Businesses should anticipate continued competition for skilled labour in high-demand sectors and prepare for compliance with Ontario’s new pay transparency laws effective January 2026.
Sources:
CBC jobs report for December 2025
CTV News report on Stellantis jobs increase
