Statistics Canada disclosed the Labour Force Survey Data for the month of October 2022. The unemployment rate has remained constant since September at 5.2 percent. Employment increased in various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, food, and accommodation services; however, it declined in the wholesale, retail trade, and natural resources. Additionally, the private sector witnessed an employment increase for the first time since March 2022.
Immigrants succeed in achieving Canadian jobs
The Census data on immigration revealed that 23 percent of the population in Canada comprises immigrants. The data stated about immigrants who were either landed immigrants or permanent residents.
The survey further stated that immigrants successfully found employment and helped in bridging the Canadian labour gap. More than 62 percent of immigrants above 15 years of age gained employment. The report also revealed that immigrants who came to Canada within the past five years had an employment rate of 70.7 percent compared to the pre-Covid phase in 2019.
Statistics Canada reports an increased number of full-time jobs
The month of October observed an employment increase, specifically in terms of full-time jobs. This implies an increase in employment with 119,000 full-time job positions, which further led to the rise of October’s employment rate (full-time) by 3 percent in 2021.
Conversely, the employment rate in part-time jobs maintained consistency with a difference in terms of the increased percentage of employed men compared to women finding employment. The growth rate for men was up to 3.9 percent, while for women, it was 1.9 percent (full-time jobs). However, the part-time employment rate among women has increased up to 5.7 percent since October 2021.
Both men and women experienced higher employment rates in the prime working age group between 25 to 54 years old. Men in this age group found full-time employment between September and October 2022, with a percentage of 0.7 percent. Women stood at 0.4 percent. Additionally, younger women between the age of 15 to 24 years observed a decline in their employment rate. This implies a decline of 1.7 percent since September to a total unemployment rate of 10.5 percent
25 percent increase in wages
All sectors observed an average of 5.6 percent increase in wages since October last year. Every six in ten employees received a hike in wages, provided they stuck to an employer for over twelve months.
The survey further stated that around 64.3 percent of employees who received wages up to $40 (hourly basis) received a hike. However, only 50 percent of those employees earning less than $20 received a hike. Agriculture workers received the lowest percentage of raise (only 47.2 percent of them). Accommodation and food services stood at 49.7 percent.
Both these sectors comprise hourly wages less than the national average. Health care and social services consisted of 53.6 percent of employees with an increase in wages. This sector witnessed a slower growth rate, with an annual increase of 0.9 percent.
Six Canadian provinces witnessed increased employment
Six Canadian provinces, including Ontario, PEI, Manitoba, Quebec, Saskatchewan, Newfoundland, and Labrador. Ontario saw the largest employment rate, with around 43,000 filled job positions, specifically part-time jobs. Sectors that observed massive employment gains are the accommodation and food sector and other services sectors such as professional, technical and scientific. The total unemployment rate is stagnant at 5.9 percent.
On the other hand, Quebec, too, displayed a drastic growth with at least 28,000 filled job positions. The overall employment gains took place in full-time jobs within construction, real estate, finance, rental, insurance, and leasing. Quebec currently consists of an unemployment rate of 4.1 percent.
Prince Edward Island even underwent Hurricane Fiona resulting in massive upheaval within the province. Despite the severe conditions, PEI managed to have an increased employment rate with 4,300 filled positions.
Statistics Canada- hybrid employment prevails
The latest report displayed a new fact about 1.7 million Canadians working in hybrid positions. The maximum number of hybrid positions prevailed from January to October. Hybrid work positions imply individuals working at the office for a period and also working remotely for the rest of the time. 21.7 percent of hybrid positions exist in the finance, real estate, insurance, rental, and leasing sector. Moreover, 16 percent is in public administration, whereas 17.9 percent is in the scientific, technical, and professional sectors.
