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Canada’s Job Vacancy Trends In 2025

Canada’s task market continues to evolve in 2025 with fewer vacancies but increasing general labour demand. While the headings might point to a decrease in open positions, there’s more underneath the surface area. As migration remains an essential driver of Canada’s economic and market growth, these shifts provide crucial insights for newcomers and skilled employees exploring opportunities in Canada.

Here’s a deep dive into the most recent developments in Canada’s task vacancy trends and what they suggest for possible immigrants, employers, and policymakers.

Job Vacancies Decline in Early 2025

First quarter reveals 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 decrease brings job openings near pre-pandemic standards. Between 2017 and 2019, for instance, typical 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 change

Despite fewer task listings, total labour demand, a combination of filled and vacant positions, increased, thanks to a rise in payroll employment by over 62,000.

Rising Unemployment-to-Job Vacancy Ratio

The unemployment-to-job vacancy ratio rose to 2.9, a jump from 2.0 in early 2024. This suggests that there are nearly 3 task seekers per vacancy. The rise originates from both more out of work persons (+15.6%) and fewer job posts (-18.1%).

Which Saw the Biggest Impact?

Here’s how 6 significant occupational groups were affected in Q1 2025:

Overall, all ten significant profession groups saw year-over-year declines in readily available roles.

Sector Spotlights

Health Sector – Despite falling by 5,400 vacancies in Q1 2025, health jobs stay above pre-pandemic levels.

Top roles impacted:

Registered nurses & psychiatric nurses: -7,700
– Nurse assistants & patient service partners: -4,900
– Licensed nurses: -2,700

Sales and Service – Now at its floor given that late 2016, this category still represents the highest proportion of job vacancies (28.3%).
Notable declines:

– Retail sales representatives & merchandisers: -3,900
– Food counter attendants: -3,800
– Client service 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 functions:

– Construction labourers: -4,400
– Truck drivers: -3,700

Wages: Slower Growth however Still Rising

The typical used hourly wage increased to $28.90 (+6.1% YoY). This growth, however, is slower than the 7.4% growth seen in late 2024.

Jobs needing less education saw the most significant drop in posts, while higher education 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 a boost in task vacancy rates, proving that regional demand still differs widely.

What Does This Mean for Immigration?

Despite the decrease in task openings, Canada’s labour market is far from cooling down. The increase in overall need and constant wage growth reflect a labour market in flux, but not in crisis. For those considering immigration, especially through economic or provincial nominee programs, knowledgeable employees stay in demand throughout healthcare, trades, and technical sectors.

Final Takeaway: A Balancing Labour Market

The Canada task vacancy information from Q1 2025 reveals a market adapting to post-pandemic norms. While vacancies have dipped, strong labour need, wage development, and local variations reveal ongoing opportunity. For immigrants and task seekers with the right skills, Canada still offers a promising future. Stay tuned to ImmigCanada for real-time updates, specialist insights, and guidance tailored to your Canadian immigration journey.