Canada Female Labor Participation
Female labor force participation rate SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS
Canada's female labor participation was 60.20% in 2025, ranked 49th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Canada's female labor participation stood at 60.20% in 2025, a decline of +0.21pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 60.24% by 2026. Canada ranked 49th globally.
Canada’s female labor‑force participation has risen modestly over the 36‑year span from 57.88 % in 1990 to 60.20 % in 2025, placing the country 49th globally. The trajectory features an all‑time peak of 61.90 % in 2008, followed by a low of 56.77 % in 1996, indicating that the recent level remains below the pre‑financial‑crisis high yet above the mid‑1990s trough. Compared with peers of similar rank, Canada’s rate is slightly lower than Guinea‑Bissau’s 60.29 % and Azerbaijan’s 60.76 % but marginally above Ireland’s 59.76 %. The gradual upward movement reflects continued gains in education, childcare provision, and flexible work arrangements, although the pace has slowed since the early 2000s. If policies that expand affordable childcare and promote gender‑balanced employment persist, the participation rate is likely to edge higher, potentially surpassing the 2008 peak within the next decade.
Data & projection
| Year | Female Labor Participation | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 59.94% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 60.09% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 60.24% | - | - |
| 2025 | 60.20% | −0.21pp | #49 |
| 2024 | 60.42% | −0.72pp | #48 |
| 2023 | 61.13% | +0.09pp | #46 |
| 2022 | 61.05% | +0.41pp | #43 |
| 2021 | 60.63% | +1.26pp | #40 |
| 2020 | 59.38% | −1.87pp | #46 |
| 2019 | 61.25% | +0.29pp | #38 |
| 2018 | 60.97% | −0.11pp | #41 |
| 2017 | 61.07% | +0.19pp | #38 |
| 2016 | 60.88% | −0.09pp | #40 |
| 2015 | 60.97% | −0.23pp | #43 |
| 2014 | 61.20% | −0.61pp | #40 |
| 2013 | 61.82% | +0.09pp | #36 |
| 2012 | 61.73% | +0.09pp | #39 |
| 2011 | 61.64% | −0.22pp | #39 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Canada matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2007. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw female labor participation improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Canada's female labor participation was 60.20% in 2025. Ranked 49th globally. This represents a 0.3% decrease from the previous year.
Canada's female labor participation peaked at 61.90% in 2008.
The lowest female labor participation in Canada was 56.77% in 1996.
Canada ranks 49th globally in female labor participation as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.TLF.CACT.FE.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Canada's female labor participation is projected to reach 60.24% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The female labor participation of Canada in 2025 was 60.20%. This ranks 49th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_canada_female-labor-participation,
title = {Canada Female Labor Participation},
url = {https://historysaid.com/canada/female-labor-participation/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}