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📉 Canada’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 6.9%: What It Means for Jobseekers — And How to Thrive in Uncertain Times

  • Writer: RBA
    RBA
  • May 12
  • 6 min read

Updated: May 20


By Lori A. Jazvac, Master Certified Resume Strategist/Career Transition Coach


The recent report from the Canadian Press confirms a shift: Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.9% in April, despite the economy technically adding 7,400 jobs in April —a reversal of earlier this year when strong employment gains corresponded with declining population growth, according to Statistics Canada. At first glance, this may feel contradictory — if jobs are being created, why is unemployment rising?


The answer lies beneath the surface.


The Serious Impact of Tariffs on Canadian Industries


While employers did expand their workforce, the pace of hiring didn’t align with Canada’s rapidly growing population. Additionally, different sectors like are starting to feel the pressure of U.S. tariffs, which has fueled a decline in production, caution in hiring, and restructuring in some industries.


Tariffs imposed by the United States are significantly affecting Ontario's economy, both directly and indirectly. Key sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, steel and aluminum production, housing construction, and financial services are experiencing notable impacts.


🚗 Automotive Manufacturing


Ontario's automotive industry, particularly in cities like Windsor, Kitchener, and Oshawa, is heavily reliant on exports to the U.S. The 25% tariff on imported vehicles has sparked production slowdowns, temporary layoffs, and decreased job security. 


🌾 Agriculture & Greenhouse Farming


Ontario's greenhouse sector, producing tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers, exports 99.5% of its produce to the U.S. The imposition of tariffs has incurred significant financial losses, with over $6 million lost during a three-day tariff period. Diversifying export markets is challenging due to the perishable nature of produce. Additionally, the broader agri-food sector is affected, as 27% of its production is exported to the U.S. Tariffs on energy imports and other goods have disrupted this integrated trade relationship. 


🏗️ Steel, Aluminum & Construction


Tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum have driven costs for construction materials, impacting housing affordability and development in Ontario. The Ontario Home Builders’ Association cautions that these tariffs could lead to decreased investment in residential real estate and fewer housing starts. Hamilton, a major steel-producing city, faces challenges as increased costs could reduce U.S. demand for Canadian steel, affecting local businesses and employment. 


🏦 Financial Services


The Bank of Canada is concerned that prolonged tariffs could fuel substantial credit losses for Canadian banks due to increased defaults by households and businesses, particularly in trade-sensitive sectors. 


📉 Broader Economic Impacts


The cumulative effect of these tariffs has fostered a rise in Canada's unemployment with the manufacturing sector losing 31,000 jobs in that month alone. Economic indicators suggest a potential recession, with consumer and business confidence falling sharply. 


🏙️ Ontario Cities Most Affected


  • Windsor: 61.7% tariff exposure, heavily reliant on automotive manufacturing.

  • Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo: 43% exposure, with significant auto parts and advanced manufacturing sectors.

  • Brantford: 27.8% exposure, involved in manufacturing and agriculture.

  • Guelph: 24% exposure, with a mix of manufacturing industries.

  • Hamilton: 19.8% exposure, primarily due to steel production. 


Remember: uncertainty doesn’t mean defeat. It means change is approaching — and with the right mindset and strategy, you can be ready for it. 


Whether you're a jobseeker, a working professional, or navigating the gig economy, now is the time to get focused, proactive, and future-proof your career.



A bridge represents a career transition - we need to learn how to adapt and manage change
A bridge represents a career transition - we need to learn how to adapt and manage change


💼 1. Jobseekers: Understand the Shift & Reframe Your Strategy


Currently, we’re in a competitive hiring environment.


Employers are being more selective, job requirements are tightening, and applicant pools are growing.


But take heed, this isn’t a time for “spray and pray” applications — spraying your message widely and praying that someone responds. Rather, it's a time for precision, strategic storytelling, and personal branding. What I mean is sending out a large number of resumes, job applications, or promotional messages with little customization or targeting will likely fail to garner response.


Here’s how to make your brand stand out:


  • Customize your resume and cover letter to each role. Focus on the problems you solve and the results you’ve delivered. Generic resumes or cover letters simply do not work. Do not use one resume to apply for different types of role. Recustomization is key.


  • Use the CAR method (Challenge–Action–Result) to show impact and highlight your accomplishments, qualitatively and quantitatively. For example: “When our customer satisfaction scores dropped (Challenge), I led a customer service retraining initiative (Action), which improved score by 28% in 60 days (Result).” Remember though to lead with results: Improved customer satisfaction score by 28% in 60 days by leading a key customer service retraining initiative to offset the decline.


  • Activate your network. Reach out to past colleagues, mentors, or industry contacts. The majority of job opportunities today are found in the hidden job market — through networking — referrals, recommendations, and networking, not just online applications.


    So, don't just spend all your time applying online. Actually, 30% of your time needs to be spent applying online and 70% actively networking - offline and online.


  • Be bold in follow-ups. Apply, then connect with hiring managers on LinkedIn with a short, thoughtful yet strategic message. Reiterate your enthusiasm but concisely demonstrate why you would be a great fit for the role. Then initiative a compelling a call to action for a meeting.


This is not about waiting for opportunity — it’s about showing up as the opportunity.



🔄 2. Professionals: Reinvent, Reskill & Future-Proof Your Career


Even if you’re presently employed, this economic climate is a wake-up call to reflect, retool, and reinvent.


Are you prepared for where your industry is going?


Industries are evolving due to:

If you’re in a sector that feels on an unstable foundation, now is the time to future-proof your career by leaning into skills that are in demand across industries.


Actionable steps:


  • Conduct a career audit. What are your most marketable skills? What problems do you love solving? Where are you uniquely valuable? Asking yourself these critical questions is the first step to determining possible options and future steps.

  • Upskill through micro-credentials or certifications in growing fields like technology, healthcare support, project management, cybersecurity, UX/UI design, and AI literacy.

  • Build your thought leadership. Start sharing insights, tips, or learning journeys on LinkedIn. Visibility builds credibility — and opportunities.

  • Be proactive within your current role. Volunteer for cross-departmental projects, offer solutions to inefficiencies, or mentor junior colleagues. Show leadership now.

  • Engage in informational interviews. If you are thinking of pivoting to a new role or industry, now is the time to gather research so you can get a clearer picture of your current and future prospects while networking to build key alliances.


The most successful professionals in times of transition are those who stay adaptable, visible, and growth-minded.


🚀 3. Entrepreneurs, Freelancers & Gig Workers: Pivot, Package & Promote Strategically


For entrepreneurs and freelance professionals, this labour market shift presents both a challenge and an opportunity. When traditional hiring slows, demand for flexible talent and creative services can actually increase — if you know how to position yourself.


Here's how to stay competitive, marketable, and profitable:


🔹 Position Yourself as a Problem-Solver


Don’t just offer services — solve business pain points. Whether you're a VA, designer, copywriter, coach, or consultant, make it clear how your offer impacts a company’s bottom line, saves them time, or helps them scale.

Instead of saying: “I offer social media services,”Say: “I help small businesses grow online visibility and leads through strategic content and automation.”

🔹 Package Your Offers


Freelancers who offer results-based packages (e.g., “Brand Launch in 30 Days”) earn more and make client decisions easier. Avoid hourly billing if possible — it commoditizes your value.


🔹 Expand Your Digital Presence

Now is the time to:

  • Refresh your LinkedIn and online portfolio

  • Show up on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram with value-driven content

  • Start an email list, even if it’s just 20 people — consistency builds trust


🔹 Explore New Income Streams

Consider:

  • Offering digital products (guides, templates, workshops)

  • Applying for short-term B2B contracts

  • Submitting proposals on platforms like Upwork, Contra, or even local procurement boards


Stay lean, but don’t think small. Now is the time to scale strategically — not retreat.



🌱 4. The Common Thread: Relationships Are the New Résumé


Whether you're seeking full-time employment, clients, or collaboration — your relationships are more powerful than any job board.


Make it your goal to:

  • Reconnect with at least 5 people in your network this month

  • Ask for introductions, advice, or referrals

  • Offer help first — generosity opens doors


Show up as your future self now. Don’t wait until you land the role or the contract. Commit to leading with value, confidence, and purpose today.


💬 Final Thought: The Labour Market Is Changing — But So Can You


This is not the time to shrink. Change can be your ally if you choose. Yes, it’s a time to adapt, expand, and get intentional about how you move through the evolving workforce landscape.


If you’re unsure where to start — whether you're pivoting careers, starting a business, or up-leveling your professional presence — professional support is here.


🚨 Book a FREE 15-minute Clarity Call with me today. Let’s map out your next move and help you to confidently move forward.


The world of work is changing. Are you ready to change with it — or ahead of it? Let’s build your future together. 💼🌟

 
 
 

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