Unemployment Rate
Definition
Percentage of the population who are available for paid work but unable to obtain it comparing total population and people in poverty.
The unemployment rate refers to the percentage of the population that was without paid work, including self-employment, and was available for work and either: (a) had actively looked for paid work in the past four weeks; or (b) were on temporary lay-off and expected to return to their job; or (c) had definite arrangements to start a new job in four weeks or less.
Measurement and Limitations
The unemployment rate is based on employment status during the one-week period specified in the Census. All data provided is for individuals 15 years and older.
Source
Customized Census data, “Table 4 – Labour force survey estimates (LFS), by sex and age group for Canada, provinces, economic regions and census metropolitan areas, 2006 to 2023, annual averages” acquired through the Canadian Community Economic Development Network’s Community Data Program.
Unemployment Rate in the Sustainable Development Goals
Click on the SDG to reveal more information
8. Promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth, employment and decent work for all
Roughly half the world’s population still lives on the equivalent of about US$2 a day. And in too many places, having a job doesn’t guarantee the ability to escape from poverty. This slow and uneven progress requires us to rethink and retool our economic and social policies aimed at eradicating poverty.
A continued lack of decent work opportunities, insufficient investments and under-consumption lead to an erosion of the basic social contract underlying democratic societies: that all must share in progress. The creation of quality jobs will remain a major challenge for almost all economies well beyond 2015.
Sustainable economic growth will require societies to create the conditions that allow people to have quality jobs that stimulate the economy while not harming the environment. Job opportunities and decent working conditions are also required for the whole working age population.