Canada's task market continues to develop in 2025 with less jobs but rising general labour demand. While the headlines may indicate a decline in open positions, there's more beneath the surface. As migration remains an essential motorist of Canada's financial and group growth, these shifts use critical insights for newcomers and knowledgeable employees exploring chances in Canada.
Here's a deep dive into the current developments in Canada's job vacancy patterns and what they indicate for potential immigrants, employers, and policymakers.
Job Vacancies Decline in Early 2025
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First shows dip, but not a cause for alarm. Job jobs dropped to 524,300 in Q1 of 2025-down by 20,600 from the previous quarter and 116,100 year-over-year. But this decline brings task openings near pre-pandemic standards. Between 2017 and 2019, for instance, average 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 functions: Little to no change
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 job ratio rose to 2.9, a dive from 2.0 in early 2024. This indicates that there are nearly 3 job hunters per vacancy. The rise comes from both more unemployed individuals (+15.6%) and less job posts (-18.1%).
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Which Occupations Saw the Biggest Impact?
Here's how six major occupational groups were impacted in Q1 2025:
Overall, all 10 significant profession groups saw year-over-year decreases in readily available functions.
Sector Spotlights
Health Sector - Despite falling by 5,400 jobs in Q1 2025, health tasks remain above pre-pandemic levels.
Top functions impacted:
Registered nurses & psychiatric nurses: -7,700
- Nurse aides & client service partners: -4,900
- Licensed useful nurses: -2,700
Sales and Service - Now at its lowest point since late 2016, this category still represents the highest percentage of task vacancies (28.3%). Notable decreases:
- Retail sales representatives & merchandisers: -3,900 - Food counter attendants: -3,800
- Client service representatives: -3,600
Trades and Transport - Jobs in this group fell by 3,300 this quarter and over 27,000 compared to last year.
Most impacted roles:
- Construction labourers: -4,400 - Truck drivers: -3,700
Wages: Slower Growth but Still Rising
The average used hourly wage increased to $28.90 (+6.1% YoY). This growth, nevertheless, is slower than the 7.4% development seen in late 2024.
Jobs needing less education saw the biggest drop in postings, while college jobs dropped reasonably.
Regional Job Market Variations
Five provinces and one area 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, showing that regional need still varies widely.
What Does This Mean for Immigration?
Despite the decrease in job openings, Canada's labour market is far from cooling down. The increase in overall demand and steady wage growth show a labour market in flux, but not in crisis. For those considering immigration, specifically through financial or provincial candidate programs, skilled workers stay in demand across health care, trades, and technical sectors.
Final Takeaway: A Balancing Labour Market
The Canada task vacancy information from Q1 2025 exposes a market adjusting to post-pandemic standards. While vacancies have dipped, strong labour demand, wage growth, and local variations reveal continued opportunity. For immigrants and task applicants with the best skills, Canada still provides an appealing future. Stay tuned to ImmigCanada for real-time updates, specialist insights, and assistance tailored to your Canadian migration journey.