Unemployment in Quebec in 2026: Understanding the Market and Taking Action

Quebec's job market is going through a period of turbulence. After a difficult start to the year marked by significant job losses, the unemployment rate reached 6.2% in April 2026 before dropping back to 5.6% in May, according to Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey. This volatility reflects an economy in transformation where some sectors are laying off workers while others struggle to recruit.

The State of Quebec's Labour Market in 2026

Recent figures paint a mixed picture. Quebec had 4,592,200 jobs in May 2026, up 13,200 from April. However, since January, the province has lost nearly 77,500 net jobs, primarily in retail, accommodation, and food services (source: Statistique Quebec, May 2026).

The unemployment rate varies significantly by age group. Workers aged 15-24 show a rate of 8.1%, while those aged 25-54 fare better at 5.1%. Workers 55 and older see their rate climb to 5.4%, a concerning increase that reflects the difficulty of finding new employment after a certain age.

The Most Affected Regions

The Montreal metropolitan area accounts for a significant share of job losses. Mauricie, Bas-Saint-Laurent, and Gaspesie have unemployment rates above the provincial average. Conversely, the Quebec City region and Outaouais maintain relatively dynamic markets, particularly thanks to the public sector and technology (source: Job Bank, May 2026).

Sectors Still Hiring

Even in a context of rising unemployment, several sectors continue to actively hire:

• Information technology: The tech unemployment rate remains below 3.5% in Quebec. Developers, cybersecurity specialists, and AI engineers are still in high demand. See our ranking of the most in-demand tech jobs in Quebec.
• Healthcare and social services: The labour shortage in the healthcare system persists, with thousands of positions to fill across CIUSSSs and CISSSs.
• Construction and engineering: Major infrastructure projects (REM, school network, hospitals) sustain demand for skilled workers.
• Artificial intelligence: Montreal remains a global AI hub, with over 48,000 workers in the ecosystem (source: Montreal International, 2024).

Understanding Employment Insurance in Quebec

If you have just lost your job, Employment Insurance (EI) is your first safety net. In 2026, regular benefits represent 55% of your average weekly insurable earnings, up to a maximum of $729 per week. The annual maximum insurable earnings are $68,900 (source: canada.ca, 2026).

Benefit duration ranges from 14 to 45 weeks depending on your economic region and the number of insurable hours accumulated. For the Montreal region, you generally need 700 insurable hours to qualify.

Steps to File Your Claim

• File your claim online on the Service Canada website as soon as possible after losing your job
• Gather your Record of Employment (ROE) issued by your former employer
• Be prepared for a one-week waiting period before payments begin
• Actively document your job search, as Service Canada may verify it

7 Concrete Strategies to Find a Job

1. Adapt Your Resume to the Current Market

In 2026, 93% of recruiters use artificial intelligence tools for pre-screening applications. Your resume must be optimized for Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS): job-specific keywords, simple format, and quantified achievements. See our guide to writing an effective resume in Canada.

2. Activate Your Professional Network

Nearly 80% of positions in Quebec are never posted on job sites (source: CV Diffusion Quebec). Networking remains the most effective way to find a job. Inform your contacts, attend industry networking events, and be active on LinkedIn.

3. Target Growth Sectors

Rather than applying massively, focus your efforts on sectors that are actively hiring. Technology, healthcare, construction, and financial services offer the best prospects in 2026. Explore current tech job openings at VALO.

4. Invest in Training

Emploi-Quebec's workforce training support program can fund qualifying training while you receive Employment Insurance. Training in technology (web development, cybersecurity, data analysis) offers an excellent return on investment.

5. Consider Geographic Mobility

If your region has a high unemployment rate, explore opportunities in regions that are hiring. Quebec City, Sherbrooke, and Gatineau offer more dynamic job markets with lower costs of living than Montreal.

6. Optimize Your Online Presence

Recruiters systematically check LinkedIn and sometimes Google before contacting a candidate. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete, with a clear headline, engaging summary, and colleague recommendations.

7. Get Professional Support

A specialized recruitment agency can significantly speed up your search. At VALO, we support candidates in their tech job search, with access to exclusive positions and personalized guidance. Browse our current openings.

Available Resources in Quebec

Several organizations offer free support to job seekers:

• Emploi-Quebec / Services Quebec: Individual support, job search workshops, financial assistance
• Carrefours jeunesse-emploi (CJE): For ages 16-35, resume help, interview simulation, career guidance
• Community employment organizations: Over 100 organizations funded by Emploi-Quebec across the province
• Job Bank: The federal site that aggregates job postings across Canada

Outlook for Late 2026

Economists expect a gradual stabilization of Quebec's labour market in the second half of 2026. The Bank of Canada has begun lowering its key interest rate, which should stimulate investment and job creation. The technology, green energy, and construction sectors are expected to lead the recovery.

In the meantime, the best strategy remains proactive action: upgrade your skills, activate your network, and target growing sectors. Quebec's job market remains fundamentally dynamic, and skilled workers will continue to be in demand.

To optimize your job search, Steppia helps you adapt your resume to ATS filters, prepare for interviews, and identify opportunities matching your profile.

Read also: The 10 most in-demand tech jobs in Quebec | Resume and interview tips to land a job in Quebec | Quebec tech salary guide