Oshawa's unemployment rate stands at 8.6% as GM layoffs hit Durham Region, with up to 1,200 autoworkers losing jobs in late January 2026 as production shifts to Indiana amid ongoing trade uncertainty.
Oshawa faces elevated unemployment as General Motors layoffs compound existing labor market challenges in Durham Region. The city's 8.6% unemployment rate exceeds both provincial and national averages.
Key statistics (January 2026):
GM Canada began laying off workers at its Oshawa plant on January 31, 2026, as production moves to Indiana. This follows the October 2025 closure of GM's CAMI plant in Ingersoll, which had employed 1,200 workers producing electric BrightDrop delivery vans.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly called the GM layoffs "completely unacceptable" and stated the government would "fight for these workers." The layoffs add significant pressure to Oshawa's already competitive job market.
The automotive sector's challenges extend beyond immediate layoffs. U.S. tariffs have battered Canadian manufacturing for nearly a year, with 28,000 manufacturing jobs lost nationally in January 2026 alone.
However, Durham Region offers significant employment opportunities beyond automotive, particularly in energy and healthcare.
Sector outlook for Durham Region in 2026:
Ontario Power Generation is actively hiring for Summer 2026 co-op positions across engineering, business, and technical disciplines at Durham Region facilities. OPG offers salaries ranging from $32-$44/hour for students and $111,000-$215,000 for senior roles.
Despite automotive headwinds, several major employers are actively recruiting across Durham Region.
Major employers with open positions:
Durham Region workforce experts note that autoworkers can leverage skills in growing sectors. Rob Elkington, assistant professor at Trent University, points to nuclear energy development and tech manufacturing as viable pathways.
Oshawa's job market requires strategic approaches given heightened competition from recent layoffs and elevated regional unemployment.
Practical recommendations:
If you're preparing to apply for roles in Durham Region, Yotru's resume builder helps you create targeted, ATS-optimized resumes that translate automotive experience to growing sectors.
For workers over 55 facing layoffs, explore OPG and healthcare positions that value experience. Professor Elkington notes training systems often aren't designed for older workers, but employers increasingly recognize the value of experienced candidates.
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Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
Team Yotru
Employability Systems & Applied Research
We build career tools informed by years working in workforce development, employability programs, and education technology. We work with training providers and workforce organizations to create practical tools for employment and retraining programs—combining labor market insights with real-world application to support effective career development. Follow us on LinkedIn.
Oshawa's unemployment rate is 8.6% as of early 2026, significantly above the provincial average of 7.3% and the national average of 6.5%.
This data compilation serves job seekers considering work in Greater London, careers advisers supporting clients, and workforce development professionals analysing regional conditions for 2026.
Yotru content prioritizes accuracy, neutrality, and practical application. All regulatory references are verified against official sources. Articles are updated as frameworks change.
This article is for informational purposes only. Labour market conditions change frequently and individual outcomes depend on skills, experience, sector and timing.
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