OTTAWA — Canada’s labor market showed unexpected strength in November, marking the third consecutive month of job growth. Statistics Canada reported that the economy added 54,000 jobs last month, defying forecasts that anticipated a slight decline in employment.

The unemployment rate decreased to 6.5 percent, down from 6.9 percent in October. This decline was partly due to 26,000 fewer individuals participating in the labor force. Over the three-month period from September to November, the Canadian economy created a total of 181,000 jobs, recovering from a sluggish start to the year amid uncertainties related to U.S. tariffs.

Most of the job gains in November were in part-time positions. The proportion of individuals working part-time involuntarily remained stable at 17.9 percent, which is below the pre-pandemic average of 19.3 percent for this time of year.

Youth employment also saw significant improvement, with individuals aged 15 to 24 adding 50,000 jobs in November. This followed a gain of 21,000 positions in October, marking the first job increases for this age group since the beginning of the year. The youth employment rate rose to 55.3 percent, an increase of 1.7 percentage points from the record low observed in July.

Statistics Canada noted that 19.6 percent of those unemployed in October found work in November, indicating a slight improvement in job-finding rates compared to the same period last year.

The health-care and social assistance sector was the standout performer, adding 46,000 jobs. In contrast, the wholesale and retail trade sector experienced significant losses, shedding 34,000 positions. The manufacturing industry, sensitive to trade fluctuations, also reported job losses.

Average hourly wages increased by 3.6 percent in November, slightly higher than the previous month. These employment figures are the last major data release before the Bank of Canada’s final interest rate decision of the year, scheduled for Wednesday.

This report highlights the ongoing recovery in Canada’s labor market as it navigates economic challenges.