Canada's task market continues to evolve in 2025 with less jobs however increasing total labour need. While the headings may point to a decrease in employment opportunities, there's more below the surface area. As immigration remains an essential chauffeur of Canada's economic and demographic growth, these shifts provide crucial insights for newcomers and proficient workers exploring chances in Canada.
Here's a deep dive into the most recent advancements in Canada's task vacancy trends and what they indicate for potential immigrants, companies, and policymakers.
Job Vacancies Decline in Early 2025
First quarter shows 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 decline brings job openings close to pre-pandemic norms. Between 2017 and 2019, for example, average jobs hovered around 506,300.
Full-time jobs: Down by 14,000
Part-time jobs: Down by 6,600
Permanent roles: Down by 18,000
Temporary functions: Little to no modification
Despite less task listings, total labour demand, a combination of filled and uninhabited positions, increased, thanks to an increase in payroll work by over 62,000.
Rising Unemployment-to-Job Vacancy Ratio
The unemployment-to-job job ratio rose to 2.9, a jump from 2.0 in early 2024. This indicates that there are almost 3 job applicants per vacancy. The increase comes from both more jobless individuals (+15.6%) and less task posts (-18.1%).
Which Occupations Saw the Biggest Impact?
Here's how six major occupational groups were affected in Q1 2025:
Overall, all ten significant profession groups saw year-over-year decreases in readily available functions.
Sector Spotlights
Health Sector - Despite falling by 5,400 vacancies in Q1 2025, health tasks stay above pre-pandemic levels.
Top roles impacted:
Registered nurses & psychiatric nurses: -7,700
- Nurse assistants & client service associates: -4,900
- Licensed useful nurses: -2,700
Sales and Service - Now at its most affordable point since late 2016, this category still represents the highest proportion of job vacancies (28.3%).
Notable declines:
- Retail salespersons & merchandisers: -3,900
- Food counter attendants: -3,800
- Customer support associates: -3,600
Trades and Transport - Jobs in this group fell by 3,300 this quarter and over 27,000 compared to in 2015.
Most impacted functions:
- Construction labourers: -4,400
- Truck chauffeurs: -3,700
Wages: Slower Growth however Still Rising
The average offered hourly wage increased to $28.90 (+6.1% YoY). This development, nevertheless, is slower than the 7.4% growth seen in late 2024.
Jobs requiring less education saw the most significant drop in postings, while college vacancies dropped moderately.
Regional Job Market Variations
Five provinces and one territory saw declines:
Quebec: -9,500
British Columbia: -6,600
Alberta: -4,300
Manitoba: -1,200
New Brunswick: -700
Northwest Territories: -300
Some regions like Northwest Ontario and Laval saw an increase in job vacancy rates, showing that regional need still differs commonly.
What Does This Mean for Immigration?
Despite the decrease in task openings, Canada's labour market is far from cooling down. The increase in general demand and constant wage development show a labour market in flux, but not in crisis. For those thinking about immigration, especially through economic or provincial candidate programs, competent employees remain in need throughout health care, trades, and technical sectors.
Final Takeaway: A Balancing Labour Market
The Canada task vacancy data from Q1 2025 exposes a market adjusting to post-pandemic standards. While vacancies have dipped, strong labour demand, wage growth, and regional variations reveal continued chance. For immigrants and task candidates with the best skills, Canada still offers an appealing future. Stay tuned to ImmigCanada for real-time updates, expert insights, and assistance customized to your Canadian migration journey.
