Ottawa's job market is heading in the right direction, while the national unemployment rate ticked upward in February, the capital region quietly added thousands of jobs and pushed its own rate down.
Local Numbers Beat the National Trend
Ottawa-Gatineau's unemployment rate dropped to 6.7 per cent in February, down from 7 per cent in January, according to new data reported by the Ottawa Business Journal. That's a meaningful move in a single month, and it runs counter to the direction Canada's overall labour market took during the same period, with the national rate moving higher.
The region added 6,300 jobs over the course of the month, a healthy gain that underscores the relative strength of the local economy compared to many other Canadian cities.
What's Driving Ottawa's Job Growth?
Ottawa has long benefited from a diversified employment base anchored by the federal public service, a growing tech sector, healthcare institutions, and post-secondary education. That mix tends to provide a cushion during broader economic slowdowns, and it appears to be doing exactly that right now.
While the data doesn't break down which sectors drove February's gains, the capital region has seen continued activity in government hiring, professional services, and technology in recent months. Ottawa's tech community, home to companies ranging from Shopify's satellite offices to a deep bench of defence and cybersecurity firms, has remained relatively active compared to the layoff cycles hitting tech hubs in the United States.
Context for Ottawa Residents
For Ottawa workers and job-seekers, this is genuinely good news. A 6.7 per cent unemployment rate isn't rock-bottom, but the downward trajectory matters, especially at a time when many Canadians are feeling the squeeze from elevated interest rates and a cooling housing market.
The addition of 6,300 jobs in a single month is also notable in terms of scale. Ottawa-Gatineau's labour force sits in the range of roughly 700,000 to 750,000 people, meaning last month's gains represent a real and tangible expansion of employment opportunity in the region.
For those currently looking for work, or considering a career move, the data suggests Ottawa remains one of Canada's more stable job markets heading into spring.
National Picture Offers a Reminder
The contrast with the national rate is worth keeping in mind. While Ottawa-Gatineau improved, Canada as a whole saw unemployment climb in February, a signal that economic pressures are still very real for many communities outside the capital. Ottawa's position as a government town and tech hub continues to insulate it, at least partially, from some of the headwinds affecting other regions.
That said, local economists and workers alike will be watching the coming months closely, particularly as federal budget decisions and public service workforce planning continue to unfold.
Source: Ottawa Business Journal. Data based on Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey results for February 2026.
