PEIFollowing some economic uncertainty in the earlier part of this year, employment on Prince Edward Island appears to be relatively stable, according to Statistics Canada data released last week. ‘I think things have kind of settled in the labour market,’ says StatsCan analystGwyneth Egan · CBC News · Posted: Dec 12, 2025 5:00 AM EST | Last Updated: 2 hours agoListen to this articleEstimated 2 minutesThe audio version of this article is generated by AI-based technology. Mispronunciations can occur. We are working with our partners to continually review and improve the results.’At the Prince Edward Island level, it looks like things are holding relatively steady,’ says Andrew Fields, a senior analyst with Statistics Canada. (Zoom)Following some economic uncertainty in the earlier part of this year, employment on Prince Edward Island appears to be relatively stable, according to Statistics Canada data released last week. The province’s unemployment rate dropped by 0.8 per cent in November, bringing it to 7.7 per cent. “That is a fairly large decline, but it brings it kind of in line with what it was last year,” said Andrew Fields, a senior analyst with Statistics Canada. At the national level, StasCan’s November data indicates some strength over the past three months because employment increased, Fields said. “At the Prince Edward Island level, it looks like things are holding relatively steady,” he said. “I think things have kind of settled in the labour market and we’ve seen… stability.” Industry trends The Statistics Canada data also provides a breakdown of employment change by industry. “One industry that’s really shown the most growth is health care and social assistance,” said Fields, who noted there are about 2,500 more people working in that industry compared to the same time a year ago, representing an 18 per cent increase. “That’s a pretty large increase.” Health care and social assistance is one industry on P.E.I. that has seen employment increase over the past year, StatsCan data shows. (David Donnelly/CBC)Accommodation and food services also saw a spike over the past 12 months, with about 2,000 more people working in the industry this year compared to last, Fields said. Some industries, however, have seen employment turn in the other direction. The data for November shows that the number of jobs in the province’s agriculture industry declined, with 1,300 fewer people working than last year. Wholesale and retail trade, as well as transportation and warehousing, also saw declines. Metrics to watch Fields said it will be interesting to keep an eye on youth employment numbers in the months ahead.The youth unemployment rate on P.E.I. was lower than than the national average in November. (Connor Lamont/CBC)The unemployment rate for among the Island labour market’s core age group — those aged 25 to 54 — is basically unchanged compared to last year, he said, adding that it’s also in line with the national average. For youth aged 15 and 24, the unemployment rate in P.E.I. was 11.2 per cent in November, which is lower than the national rate of 12.8 per cent — which Fields called a relatively good sign. ABOUT THE AUTHORGwyneth Egan is a reporter with CBC Prince Edward Island. She is a graduate of Carleton University’s master of journalism program and previously interned with White Coat, Black Art. You can reach her at gwyneth.egan1@cbc.ca
Employment on P.E.I. holds steady after uncertain start to 2025
