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What is Winnipeg’s unemployment rate? [Trends and Future Prospects]

Key Insights

  • Statistics Canada reports that Winnipeg’s unemployment rate increased to 6.2% in December 2024, up from 5.9% in November 2024. This remains below the 12.3% peak recorded in June 2020.
  • Data from Manitoba’s Labour Market Outlook shows a net loss of 200 jobs in December 2024. Part-time employment declined by 2,200 jobs, while full-time employment increased by 2,000 jobs during the same period.
  • According to the Government of Manitoba, youth unemployment is at 10.6%.
  • The same report also shows that gender unemployment rates are similar, with 5.5% female unemployment and 5.9% male unemployment. 
  • The Manitoba Labour Market Outlook for 2022 to 2026 projects that there will be 114,300 job openings between 2022 and 2026.

Data from Statistics Canada reports that Winnipeg’s unemployment rate was 6.2% in December 2024, rising from the rate of 5.9% in November 2024. This 0.3 percentage point increase reflects a slight worsening in the labor market.

Despite the increase, the unemployment rate remains 6.1% below the peak of 12.3% recorded in June 2020 and aligns closely with the city’s 10-year average of 6.0%.

The city experienced a net loss of 200 jobs in December, driven by the loss of 2,200 part-time positions. However, full-time employment showed strength, adding 2,000 jobs in December compared to 1,500 added in November 2024.

Over the past year, Winnipeg’s labor market recorded significant gains in key industries such as transportation and warehousing (+5,000), healthcare (+4,000), and accommodation and food services (+3,000).

Metric December 2024 November 2024 Change (Monthly) Year-over-Year Growth
Unemployment Rate6.20%5.90%+0.3 ppt-
Full-Time Job Growth2,0001,500$50015,000
Part-Time Job Decline-$2,200-$900-$1,300-
Net Employment Change-$200$600-$800-
Transportation & Warehousing Growth5,000--5,000
Healthcare Growth4,000--4,000
winnipeg-employment-trends-chart

The unemployment rate increased from 5.9% in November to 6.2% in December, driven largely by the loss of 2,200 part-time jobs. This contrasts with the addition of 2,000 full-time jobs, showing continued strength in core employment sectors.

Year-over-year job growth reveals that transportation and warehousing (+5,000) benefited from rising logistics demand, while healthcare (+4,000) expanded in response to aging population needs.

Accommodation and food services (+3,000) rebounded as tourism and local spending improved. However, declines in public administration and utilities highlight areas needing attention.

Unemployment Rates in Manitoba

Job Bank provides a regional snapshot of unemployment across regions in Manitoba. 

Region Unemployment Rate
Southeast4.20%
Interlake4.60%
Southwest4.80%
South Central and North5.20%
Winnipeg5.90%
Parklands and North7.90%
unemployment-by-region-map

The unemployment rates across Manitoba’s regions reveal a stark contrast between urban and rural areas. 

Winnipeg’s unemployment rate of 5.9% reflects the city’s diverse economy, with job losses in public administration and manufacturing offset by growth in accommodation and food services.

Meanwhile, Parklands and North, with the highest unemployment rate at 7.9%, struggle with the impact of declining mining activities.

On the other hand, regions like the Southeast (4.2%) and Southwest (4.8%) boast lower unemployment rates, driven by steady employment in agriculture, small businesses, and police recruitment programs.

City-wide Employment Analysis in Winnipeg

A report on the Manitoba Labor Market Outlook reports on how Winnipeg’s labor market in December 2024 demonstrated growth in key industries despite challenges in others.

Industry Employment Change Percentage Change
Accommodation & Food Services5,5000.252
Construction3,200$0
Healthcare4,000$0
Transportation & Warehousing5,000$0
Manufacturing-2,300-5.10%
Public Administration-4,400-14.10%
year-over-year-full-time-job-growth-in-winnipeg-by-industry-chart

Winnipeg’s labor market reflects both recovery and transformation as key sectors drive growth.

The accommodation and food services industry (+25.2%) has surged, bolstered by increased tourism and local spending, while construction (+12.7%) has benefited from investments in infrastructure projects.

Healthcare (+10.5%) continues to expand as the population grows and ages, requiring more services. However, the declines in manufacturing (-5.1%) and public administration (-14.1%) reveal vulnerabilities in certain areas.

The year-over-year data highlights the importance of supporting industries with high growth potential while addressing challenges in lagging sectors.

Unemployment Rates by Demographics in Manitoba

The Government of Manitoba reported that in September 2024, Manitoba’s overall unemployment rate stood at 5.7%. This section discusses how each demographic is affected by this. 

Unemployment Rate by Gender in Manitoba

Gender August 2024 September 2024
Female5.60%5.50%
Male6.00%5.90%
unemployment-rate-by-gender-in-manitoba-chart

The gender-based data reveals that female workers in Manitoba experienced stronger job growth compared to their male counterparts, with a 1.4% increase in employment among women compared to a modest 0.1% growth for men.

Unemployment Rate by Age Group in Manitoba

Age Group August 2024September 2024
Youth (15–24) 11.40% 10.60%
Adults (25+)4.80%4.80%
unemployment-rate-by-age-group-in-manitoba-chart

The notable drop in youth unemployment reflects an improvement in employment opportunities for younger individuals, potentially driven by seasonal hiring in retail and service sectors.

Meanwhile, the steady rate for adults suggests a consistent demand for skilled and experienced workers.

Costs and Consequences of Unemployment in Winnipeg

Unemployment in Manitoba carries significant economic and social implications, affecting both individuals and the broader community.

Elevated unemployment rates can lead to decreased consumer spending, which in turn affects local businesses and the provincial economy.

According to Manitoba’s 2024/25 First Quarter Report, the province’s real GDP growth is projected at 1.0% for 2025, with an unemployment rate of 5.1%. 

While these figures indicate a relatively stable economy, any increase in unemployment could hinder economic growth by reducing household incomes and limiting spending power.

Meanwhile, research by the Institute for Work and Health also reports on the effects of unemployment on mental health. 

Research conducted in Canada indicates that losing employment during this stage of life significantly increases the likelihood of experiencing mental distress, including anxiety, depression, and emotional instability.

economic-and-social-impacts-of-rising-unemployment-in-manitoba-infographic

Interventions and Solutions to Unemployment in Winnipeg 

Addressing unemployment in Manitoba involves a combination of provincial and federal initiatives aimed at enhancing employment opportunities, providing skills training, and supporting workforce integration.

The Career Gateway Program (CGP) by the Manitoba government offers assistance to individuals from employment equity groups, including Indigenous people, visible minorities, and persons with disabilities. 

This program provides professional experience and training, facilitating career advancement and promoting diversity in the workforce.

Meanwhile, Manitoba’s Training and Employment Services deliver a range of supports, including skills development, job placement, and work experience opportunities. 

These services are designed to help individuals acquire the necessary skills and experience to meet labor market demands.

At the federal level, the Government of Canada also invested in retraining opportunities for workers, allocating $30 million over two years to support communities and workers affected by unforeseen economic events. 

This is complemented by the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program, which is aimed at helping youth aged 15 to 30 develop skills and gain experience to successfully transition into the labor market.

employment-support-programs-in-manitoba-infographic

The Future of Winnipeg’s Labor Market

The Manitoba Labour Market Outlook for 2022 to 2026 forecasts the creation of approximately 114,300 job openings over the five years. This demand is driven by the need to replace retiring workers and accommodate economic growth.

Notably, 58% of these openings will require some level of post-secondary education or training, highlighting the importance of advanced skills in the evolving job market.

The projections indicate a balanced labor market in Manitoba, with the supply of workers expected to meet the demand for jobs over the forecasted period. 

However, certain occupations may experience labor shortages, particularly those requiring specialized skills or post-secondary education. 

Policymakers and educational institutions should focus on aligning training initiatives with the projected demands to ensure a skilled and adaptable labor force. 

References