Canada Jobs Increase in March: New Data Reveals Growth

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Key Takeaways:

In March 2024, Canadian employment rose by 51,400 jobs, with healthcare and education sectors leading the growth.
Eleven out of twenty sectors grew, but retail trade lost 2,400 jobs; average weekly earnings stayed roughly $1,236.
Job vacancies hit a pandemic-low, with significant decreases in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia.

How Did Workers Land More Jobs in Canada in March 2024?

In March 2024, Canada’s job market experienced a significant boost, with employment figures rising for the second consecutive month. According to the latest data from Statistics Canada, the number of employees receiving pay and benefits from their employers increased by 51,400, or 0.3 percent. This follows a modest increase of 14,600, or 0.1 percent, in February.

Canada Jobs Increase in March: New Data Reveals Growth

Which Sectors Saw the Highest Job Growth?

Eleven out of twenty sectors in Canada experienced job growth in March 2024. Here’s a breakdown:

Healthcare and Social Assistance: Leading the way, this sector added 11,700 jobs, up by half a percentage point. Specific gains were seen in:
- General medical and surgical hospitals: up 3,300 jobs (0.5%)
- Nursing care facilities: up 1,700 jobs (0.7%)
- Individual and family services: up 1,500 jobs (0.8%)
- Home healthcare services: up 1,200 jobs (1.4%)
Educational Services: This sector added 8,100 jobs, an increase of 0.6 percent. From March 2023 to March 2024, payroll employment in this sector rose by 31,600, or 2.2 percent. The growth was particularly strong in:
- Elementary and secondary schools: up 14,900 jobs (1.8%)
- Community colleges and CEGEPs: up 10,900 jobs (8.3%)
- Universities: up 3,000 jobs (0.9%)
Manufacturing: Added 7,300 jobs, up half a percentage point.
Construction: Gained 2,600 jobs, an increase of 0.2 percent.
Wholesale Trade: Also saw an increase of 2,600 jobs, growing by 0.3 percent.

Did Any Sector Lose Jobs?

The only sector that saw a decline was retail trade, which laid off 2,400 people in March, a decrease of 0.1 percent. This slight contraction is notable given the overall positive trend in the job market.

What Happened to Average Weekly Earnings?

In March, average weekly earnings in Canada were largely unchanged at $1,236. However, on a year-over-year basis, there was a 4.2 percent increase in average weekly earnings, following a 4.3 percent increase in February.

How Did Job Vacancies Change Across Provinces?

Across Canada, notable regional variations were observed in job vacancies:

Prince Edward Island: Stood out with an increase in job vacancies, up by 600 positions, or 28.3 percent.
Ontario: Experienced a decrease in job vacancies, down by 14,700 positions, or 6.3 percent.
Quebec: Saw vacancies drop by 12,500 roles, or 8.4 percent.
British Columbia: Job vacancies declined by 9,300 positions, down 8.7 percent.
Newfoundland and Labrador: Noted a substantial drop of 1,000 vacancies, down by 16.8 percent.

“Meanwhile, job vacancies increased in Prince Edward Island, up 600 or 28.3 percent. Vacancies were little changed in the remaining five provinces,” notes Statistics Canada.

Are Job Vacancies at Their Lowest Level Since March 2020?

Indeed, the number of job vacancies in Canada reached its lowest level since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2024, job vacancies decreased by 40,600, or 6.2 percent, bringing the total down to 610,700. This marks the largest month-over-month decline since September 2023.

“Job vacancies had previously followed a steady downward trend from May 2022 to September 2023. Compared with March 2023, total job vacancies were down by 192,800, or 24 percent, in March 2024,” reports Statistics Canada.

How Can Foreign Nationals Land Jobs in Canada?

Immigrating to Canada remains an attractive option for many foreign nationals. Canada offers several economic immigration programs that pave the way for permanent residency.

What is the Express Entry System?

Under the Express Entry system, immigrants can apply for permanent residency online if they meet the eligibility criteria for one of three federal programs:
– Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSW)
– Federal Skilled Trades Program (FST)
– Canada Experience Class Program (CEC)

Candidates’ profiles are ranked against each other based on a points system known as the Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS). The highest-ranked candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residence. People who receive an ITA must submit a complete application within 90 days. For detailed information, the official immigration website is an excellent resource (IRCC Immigration Programs).

How Do Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) Work?

Through a network of Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs), almost all of Canada’s provinces and territories can nominate skilled workers whose skills match local labor market needs. Successful candidates can then apply for Canadian permanent residence through federal immigration authorities.

What About Temporary Foreign Worker Programs?

Canadian employers can also hire foreign nationals through programs like the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) and the International Mobility Program (IMP).

The Global Talent Stream (GTS), part of the TFWP, is particularly attractive for employers. Under regular processing conditions, it can lead to the granting of Canadian work permits and visa applications within two weeks.

Conclusion

March 2024 has been a strong month for the Canadian job market, with significant employment gains across multiple sectors. While retail trade saw a slight decrease in jobs, healthcare, education, manufacturing, construction, and wholesale trade all experienced positive growth.

Additionally, job vacancies hit their lowest level since March 2020, signaling a tightening labor market. Foreign nationals have multiple avenues to gain Canadian permanent residency or work permits, contributing further to the vibrant and diverse job market in Canada.

For more detailed information on how to immigrate to Canada and find employment, visit the Government of Canada’s official immigration page.

Learn Today:

Glossary

Express Entry System: An online system used by the Canadian government to manage applications for permanent residency from skilled workers. It includes three federal programs: the Federal Skilled Worker Program, the Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canada Experience Class Program.
Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS): A points-based system used under the Express Entry system to evaluate and rank the profiles of immigration candidates. The highest-scoring candidates receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) for permanent residency.
Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Immigration programs operated by Canadian provinces and territories that allow them to nominate skilled workers who meet specific local labor market needs for Canadian permanent residency.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP): A program that allows Canadian employers to hire foreign nationals to fill temporary labor shortages. It includes subsets like the Global Talent Stream, aimed at processing work permits and visa applications quickly.
Statistics Canada: The national statistical agency responsible for producing data to help understand and monitor the Canadian economy, society, and environment, including employment statistics.

This Article In A Nutshell:

In March 2024, Canada saw a 51,400 job increase. Top sectors included healthcare and education. Conversely, retail trade saw a small decline. This uptick highlights a robust job market. Various immigration programs remain open for foreign nationals, boosting the workforce. Visit Canada’s immigration website for detailed info.
— By VisaVerge.com

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