Canada's Job Market: An Overview (July 2023)

Introduction:

The Canadian #job market has been a topic of much interest in recent times. With a population growth rate of 3.9% annually and a labour force expanding by 4.1% over the same period, it is crucial to examine the dynamics of job creation, sector-specific trends, and the impact of the changing demographics on employment opportunities. We will delve into the latest statistics and trends surrounding the number of jobs in Canada and shed light on the various sectors driving employment growth.

Overall Employment Trends:

As of July, the total number of employed Canadians reached an impressive 20.16 million. Although there was a slight monthly decrease of 6,000 jobs, the overall employment figures indicate a robust job market. Employment among women, as well as men and women aged over 54, remained stable during this period.

Employment by Age and Gender:

In contrast, the employment scenario for men in the age group of 24-54 experienced a decline of 0.4%. However, there was a positive development for male youth aged 15-24, with a notable increase of 0.9% in employment. It's essential to monitor these trends closely, as they may reflect changing labour demands and workforce participation patterns. This trend likely reflects summer jobs programs taking hold.

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Jobs:

The Canadian job market has seen a notable increase in the number of full-time jobs, growing by 7.4% in the past year. In contrast, part-time #employment grew by a more modest 0.3% over the same period. The rise in full-time jobs suggests a positive outlook for stable employment opportunities, while part-time employment may indicate flexibility and a mix of work arrangements.

Regional Disparities:

When analyzing regional variations, British Columbia witnessed a decline in #construction employment, losing 21,000 jobs since January. BC's construction market was overheated for some time and the reduction of jobs is likely welcome to many in the industry and may also, in part, be due to residential construction pauses due to recession concerns and the effects of increased interest rates.

On the other hand, Alberta experienced growth, adding 12,000 jobs (0.5%) and gaining 31,500 full-time jobs while losing 19,700 part-time jobs in July.

Sector-Specific Employment Trends:

The healthcare and social assistance sectors have been the most significant gainers, adding 25,000 jobs (0.9%) in the past year. This surge in demand for healthcare professionals and social services reflects the growing emphasis on health and welfare in Canada's society.

Furthermore, the goods sector, including manufacturing and construction, saw a considerable dip, losing 45,000 jobs (2.8%). The decline in construction jobs was particularly concentrated in British Columbia, highlighting the need for targeted support to revitalize the sector in this region.

Private vs. Public Sector Employment:

The private sector has experienced a growth rate of 5% in the past six months, showcasing its resilience and ability to adapt to changing economic conditions. In contrast, the public sector witnessed a decline of 4% over the same period, reflecting potential budgetary constraints or organizational restructuring.

Conclusion:

The job market in Canada remains dynamic and responsive to various economic and demographic factors. While there was a slight dip in total employment in July, the overall outlook appears promising, with full-time jobs witnessing significant growth and the healthcare sector leading in job creation.

Respectfully submitted by,

Lloyd Jacobson , President

Sam Emke , Vice President

Sam Kemble , Executive Operating Officer

National Construction Council, Local 1999

Sources: Labour Market Notes | Alberta.ca, Labour statistics (statcan.gc.ca), Bargaining Update, July 2023 (alberta.ca)