While unemployment in Brantford-Brant rose to 9.7% in September 2025, Norfolk County continues to see strong employment growth, with an unemployment rate of just 3.7% as of August.
Statistics Canada reported that although 600 more people in Brantford-Brant sought work over the past month, only 200 found employment, leaving the region with one of the highest unemployment rates in Ontario, second only to Windsor at 10.4%.
Nationwide, unemployment remained at 7.1%, and Ontario’s overall jobless rate rose slightly to 7.9%.
Norfolk County has experienced a gain of roughly 1,400 employed residents over the last three months, driven by strong growth in construction, manufacturing, trades, and transport roles.
The healthcare sector has also seen steady job growth since April 2025.
Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie, noted that rising part-time opportunities could benefit students, parents, newcomers, and others unable to work full-time, while also encouraging employers to explore partnerships to create full-time positions.
The Grand Erie Jobs board reflected this activity, posting 1,850 new jobs in September, a 2% increase from the previous month.