Canadian employment growth is currently at its peak across industries due to consistent recruitment across several Canadian sectors.
In January, the employment growth rate witnessed a massive increase. This can be seen through the data of filling vacant job positions, nearly 150,000. This month experienced more than a 5 percent increase in the total employment rate.
Canadian employment growth
The substantial increase in hiring led to huge employment increases for several groups. These groups ranged from the ones working between the age group of 25 and 54 to Non-permanent residents with either study or work permits. Consequently, these groups witnessed increased workforce employment.
Overall, the national unemployment rate remained at 5 percent, and this was what it was even in December last year. Also, Canadian immigrants experience an average unemployment rate of 5.96 percent toward the latter part of 2022. This indicates that Canada continues to offer abundant Canadian job opportunities.
Non-permanent residents were able to fulfill 79,000 job positions in January. From November 2023 onwards, Canadian international students with valid study permits can work for as many hours during their academic sessions. However, this will remain valid until December 31, 2023. This means that the number of NPRs will only increase over time. NPRs contribute significantly to the Canadian population and immensely contribute to maximum workforce participation.
NPR employment growth in Canada
The Canadian employment growth for Non-permanent residents could be witnessed across various industries. The following industries observed the maximum increase:
- Around 10,349 people were recruited for Professional, Scientific, and technical services.
- Above 9,717 individuals were hired in the Retail Trade.
- More than 8,848 people gained employment in Accommodation and food services.
- Beyond 7742, people got jobs in the Healthcare and Social Assistance sector.
Overall, the group now contributes 3.4 percent of the employment, emphasizing their significance in the Canadian labor market. The vacancy report in November reflected a gradual reduction in the total number of vacancies. However, except for the Retail Trade, the other three industries display a greater rise in open job vacancies. Additionally, there is a consistent requirement for employers.
January recruitment patterns- which industries witnessed strong recruitment
January witnessed a healthy recruitment pattern with immense employment gains in the following industries:
- The Retail and Wholesale Trade observed 59,000 job vacancies filled. Meanwhile, the recruitment continued for a total of 128,960 vacancies.
- The Healthcare and Social Assistance sector had to recruit for a total of 131,775 job positions. Meanwhile, 40,000 job vacancies were successfully filled.
- Educational services saw filled vacancies of around 18,000. The total number of vacancies stood at 20,180.
- The Construction sector observed 16,000 filled job vacancies, aiming to hire 79,025.
- Other services had 16,000 jobs filled, while the hiring took place for 34,985 vacancies.
On the other hand, the transportation and warehousing sector witnessed a decline in employment, with 17,000 job positions. However, the total vacant positions in this sector are around 46,635.
On average, Canadian workers’ national wage is nearly $33.01 CAD per hour. Overall, Canadians’ average potential for purchasing has stooped down due to slower wage growth. Reportedly, giving into the pressures, even the Bank of Canada increased the interest rates at the beginning of February.
Several industries underwent a continuous need to fill in job positions. In November, the construction industry was one of the rare industries that observed an increased vacancy rate. Conversely, the Canadian healthcare sector has been witnessing an urgent need to fill job positions. The labor shortages have continued to haunt the country since the beginning of the pandemic.
The situation is extremely intense, so the government introduced specific policy changes to combat labor force shortages. Immigration is entirely responsible for the growth of the Canadian workforce. Consequently, the government has done its bit by making it convenient for temporary foreign healthcare workers to move to Canada and work there. Besides this, the government also took initiatives to help people through Caregiver Pilot Programs. In an attempt to increase its workforce, Canada also provides numerous immigration pathways to construction workers without an employment status.
Canadian provinces which experienced the greatest recruitment growth
In January, the following Canadian provinces saw the maximum recruitment:
- More than 63,000 job positions were filled in Ontario.
- Above 47,000 vacancies were filled in Quebec.
- Alberta recruited people for 21,000 job positions.
- Nova Scotia hired individuals for more than 9,400 jobs.
- 4,500 jobs were filled in Saskatchewan.
On the other hand, Newfoundland and Labrador observed an increase in vacancies. The employment growth declined by 2,300 job positions. Provincial Nominee Programs are the best way to combat provincial labor shortages. PNP is the chief immigration pathway for Canadian economic immigration.
There will be more clarity regarding PNPs and its requirement based on factors like job vacancies, in-demand professions, and recruitment in specific provinces.
Besides this, the Express entry programs will conduct targeted draws. This policy change adheres to the key factor, which is the in-demand profession. The entire policy will consider the in-demand profession to receive an ITA.
