Canada witnessed economic growth, and it reached the pre-pandemic level in March.
Statistics Canada examined the labor market of the country for a week. The research was carried out from 14th to 20th March.
In various provinces, Public health measures were not stringent, and orders for staying at home were lifted in Ontario. In areas like Toronto, fitness & recreation facilities and in-person dining were closed.
The employment count in March this year was just lower by 1.5% than in February last year.
Employment gains were most significant in Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec, and Ontario. Many employment opportunities were re-established in the retail and food & accommodation services sectors. In sectors like culture, recreation services, and information, job opportunities have increased for the first time since September 2020.
Employment rise in sectors with a high number of immigrants
In Canada, newcomers and immigrants have been affected disproportionately due to the outbreak and restrictions implemented due to the same. However, some of the worst-hit industries are rising again.
For example, the retail sector has 450,000 immigrant workers as per 2016 census data. The losses faced by the sector in January almost recovered in March.
The food and accommodation services sector saw a 2% rise in employment, and now it employs 346,000 immigrant workers.
In the goods-producing sector, construction accounted for most of the gain and now stands at a total of 238,000 immigrant workers.
The health care and social assistance industry, accompanying educational services, also witnessed growth. Both sectors have 523,000 and 264,000 immigrant workers, respectively.
The individual gains by various sectors accounted for the rise in national employment in March 2021.
For very recent immigrants, the employment rate is stable.
The travel restrictions implemented by Canada’s government have impacted the number of newcomers dramatically. Last year, only 184,000 new immigrants got permanent residence.
Very recent immigrants are those who have been residing in the Land of snow for less than 5 years, as per Statistics Canada. The employment rate has continued to be steady for this population. The reasons behind the stability are the low count of immigrants and a faster population fall rate than employment. For this group, the employment rate was 65% in the last three months till March.
Loss of employment gains in April?
As the country is in the middle of the third wave, provincial governments are implementing restrictions that are affecting the employment rate. For example, non-essential work has been ordered to remain closed for the next month in Ontario. In other provinces such as Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec, the measures have been tightened.
The Labour Force Survey for this month is likely to show a fall in the employment rate in the country. The report is estimated to be published on 7th May.
