Bi-Weekly Newsletter
Volume 12: Issue 1. Dec 12, 2025 |
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Leaders in Workforce Development
Hamilton's Labour Market Connection
Labour Market Updates, News & Community Info
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The Latest From WPH
Your source of Labour Market Information in Hamilton
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Hamilton’s labour market shifted in November 2025. 📊
Employment dipped to 448,000, with declines in both public sector and self-employment. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate rose to 7.3%, sitting above the national average (6.8%) but still below Ontario’s rate (7.6%).
Want to dig deeper into local job trends and sector changes?
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♿ Understanding Disability in Hamilton’s Workforce
In 2022, 190,150 Hamilton residents were living with a disability—30% of our city’s population. Creating inclusive workplaces is not only the right thing to do, it strengthens our local economy.
📊 Ontario Labour-Market Snapshot (2024) – Persons with Disabilities:
• Employment Rate: 44.8%
• Unemployment Rate: 8.8%
• Participation Rate: 49.1%
• Average Hourly Earnings: $29.90
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Thanks to everyone who came out to our LLMP Consultations!
Workforce Planning Hamilton hosted our annual Community Consultations for our upcoming Local Labour Market Plan
Community members shared their priorities, challenges, and insights about Hamilton’s labour market alongside other local employers, service providers, and community organizations.
Incase you missed it, you can view the presentation in PDF form below!
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Hamilton Community Updates
Find out what's happening in the city!
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The Hamilton Council on Aging (Age-Friendly Hamilton) is partnering with the City of Hamilton’s Office of Climate Change Initiatives to host an event for seniors on December 18.
This event is designed to gather insight and input from older adults about climate change. The feedback received will help guide the City’s Climate Action Strategy.
As part of the event, we will be offering a free, eco-friendly festive holiday lunch for all participants. Event details are included below.
We would greatly appreciate your help in sharing this invitation with seniors in your networks, programs, and communities. Please note that interpretation services can be provided upon request and accommodations for accessibility needs will be arranged.Attendance is limited and registration is required.
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Join Empowerment Squared on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 5:00-7:00 PM at Empowerment Squared Central (162 King William Street, Suite 103, Hamilton, ON L8R 3N9) for ‘5 to 7’ Connect & Pitch, an exciting evening of networking and inspiration.
The evening will be the perfect opportunity to connect with diverse entrepreneurs (aspiring and current), as well as various professionals, all while enjoying light appetizers, refreshing drinks, and a fierce pitch competition.
Whether you are expanding your network or just love being around like-minded people – this is the place to be!
What to Expect:
- Networking: Bring your business card and connect with like-minded professionals
- Appetizers & Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary light bites and beverages included with your ticket
- Pitch Competition – Watch three selected participants from the Keys to Business Program pitch their businesses live to a panel of local judges and compete for prizes
- Learn about innovative local businesses and the art of effective pitching
Who Should Attend:
- Entrepreneurs, professionals & small business owners
- Investors and mentors looking to connect
- Aspiring founders or startup enthusiasts
- Community members interested in supporting local entrepreneurs
Don’t Miss Out
Limited to 45 attendees – secure your spot before tickets sell out
- $10 Early Bird Tickets are on Sale until December 10 2025.
- Tickets will be $15 after December 10 2025.
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YWCA Hamilton’s Centre of Innovation is currently recruiting for the upcoming cohort of our
PowerUp Ready program — a free, 10-week online training program designed for women and gender-diverse entrepreneurs who are ready to launch or grow their businesses.
Through PowerUp Ready, participants will gain the tools, confidence, and connections needed to bring their business ideas to life.
Interested individuals can scan the QR code on the attached flyer to register for an upcoming information session!
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicant is the primary business owner(s).
- Women and non-binary individuals over 18, ideally not attending school.
- Small business based in Southern Ontario.
- Must have access to a computer –online program.
- Must be Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident.
- No franchise operations or multi-level marketing businesses can apply.
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FREE Programs for Kids & Teens in Hamilton!
Parents in Hamilton – don’t miss this! Starting January, we’re offering TWO amazing FREE programs to help your child thrive socially and academically:Friendships & Relationships
A fun, game-based program that builds confidence, communication skills, and healthy peer connections. Great for kids with ADHD, Autism, APD, behavioral challenges, bullying, or emotional regulation issues.
📅 Tuesdays | Jan 12 – Mar 13
📍 Jack Macdonald Apartments, 6 Acorn St
👉 Learn more: https://diverselearners.ca/programs/social-skillsRegistration Form: Social Skills: Friendships and Relationships - Winter 2026 – Fill out formExecutive Functioning
A 9-week program to boost organization, planning, and motivation for school success! Topics include goal setting, workspace organization, test prep, and more.
📅 Wednesdays | Jan 12 – Mar 13
📍 Jack Macdonald Apartments, 6 Acorn St
👉 Learn more: https://diverselearners.ca/programs/executive-functioningRegistration Form: Social Skills: Executive Functioning - Winter 2026 Registration form – Fill out formHelp your child build confidence, skills, and friendships in a supportive environment!If anyone has any questions, or wants to connect directly with a CDL staff member about these programs please email Olivia Fong at olivia_fong@diverselearners.ca
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Help Shape the Future of Hamilton’s Waterfalls — and Win an HCA Membership Pass!
Hamilton’s waterfalls are some of the most breathtaking natural wonders in Ontario — and we want to keep them that way for generations to come. The City of Hamilton is creating a Waterfall Destination Master Plan to help protect these special places, enhance visitor experiences, and ensure everyone can enjoy them safely and sustainably.
We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences, ideas, and favourite spots in a short online survey — and you could win one of three Hamilton Conservation Authority Membership Passes to keep exploring nature all year long.
💧 Take the survey now and help shape the future of Hamilton’s waterfalls: engage.hamilton.ca/waterfalldestinationmp |
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What's In The News?
Latest updates!
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Every career and employment professional has met them – the jobseeker dismissed as “unplaceable.”
Someone with the ability to participate in the workforce but missing a credential or relevant work experience, has the right skills but can’t explain them, was refused a reasonable accommodation or met outright discrimination in the workplace.
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Did you know, you can now request data from Workforce Planning Hamilton using our Data Request form?
Workforce Planning Hamilton’s labour market information can help identify:
- In-demand Industries, Skills & Jobs
- Workforce demographics
- Growing, declining & changing trends
- Job vacancy data
- Labour force supply & demand
- Immigration into the workforce
- Currently hiring skills & positions
- And More!
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