Record-high Job Vacancies In the First Quarter Of 2022

The number of job vacancies in Canada is just shy of one million. In the first quarter of 2022, job vacancies in Canada climbed to 957, 500 – the highest ever number, according to Statistics Canada. Although labour shortages were an issue prior to the pandemic, COVID-19 exacerbated the numbers.

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The ‘great resignation’ can be seen in most sectors across the country. Currently, the healthcare and social assistance sector have 136,800 vacancies. Construction, manufacturing, and retail sectors are also experiencing this shift.

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Across the country, the unemployment to job vacancy ratio was 1.3 in the first quarter, down from 2.2 before the pandemic. Despite the number of unemployed workers decreasing as job vacancies increase, the ratio varies across the provinces.

In Quebec and British Columbia, there was less than one unemployed person for every job vacancy, but in Newfoundland and Labrador, there were almost four unemployed people for every vacancy. Low ratios indicate a tight labour market and possible labour shortages. Because of this, Canadian employers are expected to experience some hiring challenges.

In a recent Canadian Survey on Business Conditions, two-fifths of business owners reported that recruiting skilled employees was an obstacle, and retaining employees was an obstacle for about thirty percent. Learn how to apply for a work permit here.

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