Statistics Canada released revised seasonally adjusted Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates on January 26, 2026, covering January 2023 through December 2025. The annual revisions incorporate updated seasonal factors and Census re‑benchmarking, giving leaders in Edmundston, New Brunswick, a clearer view of local employment trends and how seasonal industries affect month‑to‑month counts (Statistics Canada, Jan. 26, 2026).
The revised figures matter locally because about 17.3% of employment in the Edmundston‑Woodstock economic region was in industries dependent on U.S. demand for Canadian exports in 2024, according to Statistics Canada — a share that includes forestry‑related and cross‑border logistics activities (StatCan regional data, 2024). For forestry and cross‑border logistics firms, the LFS revisions help show labour‑market availability — how many people are participating in the local workforce — which informs hiring and planning decisions.
Mayor Eric Marquis and city staff use these revised figures to inform planning for community changes such as housing and transit programs. Edmundston’s municipal boundary was expanded when it amalgamated with Rivière‑Verte and surrounding districts on Jan. 1, 2023; the updated regional figures help the city understand the needs of its larger population when drafting multi‑year budgets and infrastructure plans.
The provincial government also uses updated labour statistics to inform budgets for job‑training and employment programs. Jean‑Claude D’Amours, the MLA for Edmundston‑Madawaska‑Centre, was appointed Minister responsible for Post‑Secondary Education, Training and Labour (acting) in September 2025 and is overseeing the labour portfolio; finalized labour figures such as these can influence how provincial funds for training and employment services are targeted.
