'Alarming': Brantford-Brant's jobless rate of 9.9 per cent highest in Ontario

Brantford-Brant Faces Highest Unemployment Rate in Ontario

The unemployment rate in Brantford-Brant reached 9.9% in October, marking the highest level recorded in Ontario. This figure, the highest since the pandemic, reflects an increase of 0.2% from September, according to Statistics Canada's seasonally adjusted data based on a three-month moving average.

[translate:“It’s been alarming to see so many of our residents – our friends and neighbours – become unemployed,”] Danette Dalton, executive director at the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, said in a media release.

With about 9,800 people unemployed, the local situation recalls the summer of 2020 when COVID-19 caused significant job losses. Dalton emphasized the community’s urgent need for support, including mental health services, especially as stress is expected to rise with the upcoming holiday season.

[translate:“The stresses on unemployed people and their families will likely increase. It’s a time to be generous in whatever way we can.”]

Despite the challenges in Brantford-Brant, the overall unemployment rate eased across Ontario to 7.6% and Canada to 6.9%, with most of the 55,000 new jobs created in Ontario. However, Dalton pointed out that these provincial gains may mask the severity of Brantford-Brant's local unemployment challenges.

Summary: Brantford-Brant’s nearly 10% unemployment highlights deep local hardship, requiring community support and mental health resources amid ongoing economic strain.

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Brantford Expositor Brantford Expositor — 2025-11-07

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