Despite losses being incurred in the previous two months, Canada still has managed to add 231,000 jobs in June. As per Statistics Canada’s Labor Force Survey, employment was up by 231,000. The data was based on Canada’s labour market conditions between the weeks of June 13 to June 19. This has led to the much-awaited economic recovery even though it is not much or substantial.
Before that, to be exact, just two months prior, there was a cumulative job loss of 275,000. This was because of the third-wave restrictions in March, the effects of which were felt in April and May.
However, with slow and steady ease in restrictions, restaurants, personal care services, and other recreational activities resumed once again. These restrictions were eased in almost eight of Canada immigration provinces. To state a few facts, Ontario listed the stay-at-home order from June 2 onwards. So, outdoor dining and other non-essential shopping were allowed. However, restaurants having indoor dining facilities, personal care services, gymnasiums, etc., were shut down during the subject week.
Status of immigrant employment
The recovery rate has been slower when it comes to the employment of immigrants. For instance, in June, the rate of immigrants’ employment in Canada above 5+ years was around 57 %. When compared with February 2020, the percentage points were down by two points. The employment rate was around 60% compared to Canadian-born workers, and during the same period, it fell by just one percentage point.
This can be compared with statistics relating to recent Canada immigrants residing for five years or under in Canada. They have had a better rate of employment. This could be partly due to the reduced number of newcomers landing in Canada because of the pandemic-related travel restrictions. For example, compared to three months, April – June, the rate of recent immigrants came down by almost 12 %, and their employment was down by 7%. So, because their population was falling considerably, their employment rate rose by almost 68% in June, almost up by four percentage points compared with the pre-pandemic statistics.
Economic Recovery Scrutiny
For easy understandability, a few numbers are stated here. In the period falling between Feb’ 2020 and June 2021, Canada’s population increased by 1%, totalling 334,000. To match this growth, employment had to grow by 203,000 in the same time frame. Instead, it came down to 340,000, nearly 2 % points below in June 2021 compared to Feb’ 2020.
Note: The employment rate is calculated by counting the number of people (over the age of 15) employed as a population percentage.
Overall, while the worldwide employment situation may seem grim, Canada has shown a slight recovery on the other hand. This has triggered hope in the many immigrants spread across Canada. It is hoped fervently that the upward trend will continue to rise, and all losses recovered by this year’s end. The pandemic-related restrictions on Travel and other activities are slowly being relaxed, which could positively impact the rise in the Employment rate.
