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5 Things to Know Today: 68,000 Jobs Lost, a Weaker Loonie and the Oct. 28 BoC Decision

  Oct 12, 2026   Happy Thanksgiving. Canadian markets are closed today, but the numbers that shape your wallet aren't taking the day off. Here are five things to know on Monday, October 12. 1. Canada lost about 68,000 jobs in September, wiping out 2026's gains Statistics Canada reported that employment fell by roughly 68,000 in September, following a 41,700-job drop in August. The unemployment rate edged up to 6.5% from 6.4%. Economists had forecast a small gain. Put the two months together and Canada has lost about 41,200 jobs so far this year, compared with a gain of 211,300 over the same stretch of 2025, according to Reuters. The losses were spread almost evenly between full-time and part-time work and were concentrated in the public sector. Workers aged 15 to 24 lost 48,000 jobs, Quebec shed 49,000, and Ontario's unemployment rate sits at 7.0%, the highest among the large provinces. Average hourly wages were up 2.3% from a year ago. What it means for you: A softening j...
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Counting Comfort: What It Really Takes to Live Well in Canada

 


In a country as vast and diverse as Canada, the definition of a “comfortable income” is far from one-size-fits-all. A recent survey of more than 9,000 Canadians found that $100,000 was the most popular target for household comfort, chosen by 37% of respondents, while another 25.8% aimed higher at $150,000.

The reality, however, depends heavily on location, lifestyle, and household size. According to Statistics Canada, the average Canadian household disposable income in 2024 was $100,702, with the top 10% of individual earners making at least $125,945. Middle-class individuals typically earn between $57,375 and $114,750.

Cost-of-living data shows that in major cities like Vancouver, Toronto, and Calgary, housing alone can consume a significant portion of income. Living Wage Canada estimates that to cover essentials, a single person would need an hourly wage of $27.05 in Vancouver, $26 in the Greater Toronto Area, and $24.45 in Calgary—equivalent to roughly $48,000–$51,000 annually for a 36-hour work week.

While some Canadians can achieve comfort below six figures—especially in smaller cities or rural areas—urban dwellers often need to earn well above the national average to balance housing, transportation, savings, and leisure. Ultimately, “comfortable” is as much about personal priorities as it is about paycheques.


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