Canada's job market continues to evolve in 2025 with less jobs but increasing total labour need. While the headings might point to a decline in open positions, there's more below the surface. As immigration remains an essential chauffeur of Canada's financial and demographic development, these shifts use crucial insights for newcomers and exploring opportunities in Canada.
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Here's a deep dive into the most recent developments in Canada's task vacancy patterns and what they indicate for prospective immigrants, employers, and policymakers.
Job Vacancies Decline in Early 2025
First quarter reveals dip, however not a cause for alarm. Job vacancies dropped to 524,300 in Q1 of 2025-down by 20,600 from the previous quarter and 116,100 year-over-year. But this decrease brings job openings near pre-pandemic standards. Between 2017 and 2019, for example, typical vacancies hovered around 506,300.
Full-time jobs: Down by 14,000
Part-time tasks: Down by 6,600
Permanent roles: Down by 18,000
Temporary roles: Little to no modification
Despite fewer task listings, total labour demand, a combination of filled and vacant positions, increased, thanks to an increase in payroll employment by over 62,000.
Rising Unemployment-to-Job Vacancy Ratio
The unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio rose to 2.9, a dive from 2.0 in early 2024. This shows that there are nearly 3 job hunters per vacancy. The rise comes from both more out of work persons (+15.6%) and less job posts (-18.1%).
Which Occupations Saw the Biggest Impact?
Here's how six significant occupational groups were affected in Q1 2025:
Overall, all 10 major occupation groups saw year-over-year decreases in offered roles.
Sector Spotlights
Health Sector - Despite falling by 5,400 vacancies in Q1 2025, health tasks remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Top roles impacted:
Registered nurses & psychiatric nurses: -7,700
- Nurse aides & patient service associates: -4,900
- Licensed nurses: -2,700
Sales and Service - Now at its floor considering that late 2016, this classification still represents the greatest proportion of task vacancies (28.3%). Notable decreases:
- Retail salespersons & merchandisers: -3,900 - Food counter attendants: -3,800
- Customer support reps: -3,600
Trades and Transport - Jobs in this group fell by 3,300 this quarter and over 27,000 compared to last year.
Most affected roles:
- Construction labourers: -4,400 - Truck drivers: -3,700
Wages: Slower Growth but Still Rising
The average offered per hour wage increased to $28.90 (+6.1% YoY). This development, however, is slower than the 7.4% growth seen in late 2024.
Jobs needing less education saw the biggest drop in postings, while greater education jobs dropped reasonably.
Regional Job Market Variations
Five provinces and one territory saw decreases:
Quebec: -9,500 British Columbia: -6,600 Alberta: -4,300 Manitoba: -1,200 New Brunswick: -700 Northwest Territories: -300
Some areas like Northwest Ontario and Laval saw an increase in job vacancy rates, proving that regional demand still differs commonly.
What Does This Mean for Immigration?
Despite the decrease in job openings, Canada's labour market is far from cooling down. The rise in overall demand and consistent wage growth show a labour market in flux, but not in crisis. For those thinking about migration, specifically through financial or provincial nominee programs, knowledgeable workers remain in need across health care, trades, and technical sectors.
Final Takeaway: A Balancing Labour Market
The Canada job vacancy information from Q1 2025 reveals a market changing to post-pandemic standards. While jobs have dipped, strong labour need, wage development, and regional variations reveal continued opportunity. For immigrants and job applicants with the best skills, Canada still offers an appealing future. Stay tuned to ImmigCanada for real-time updates, professional insights, and guidance tailored to your Canadian immigration journey.
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