Canadian employers increase wages to attract more workers
As Canada is facing a shortage of workers, employers have taken the initiative to offer higher wages to attract more workers. According to the latest Statistics Canada report, the average hourly wage has risen by 7.5% since last year, amounting to $24.20 per hour.
The job vacancy rate is the ratio of vacant positions to total labor demand, encompassing both filled and open positions. With job openings rising and salaries rising accordingly, it is an ideal time for those seeking new employment opportunities in Canada.
Several categories of in-demand occupations saw rises in offered salaries that were even higher than the national average, including:
- Middle management in the production, transportation, and utility sectors had an hourly wage increase of 10.8% to $41.40.
- Occupations that support healthcare by offering support (+10.7% to $22.45 per hour).
- Manufacturing assemblers (+10.4% to 20.05 per hour); and
- Machine operators and other production staff have seen an increase in pay of 10.2% to $20.02 per hour.
The demand for health care and social services has remained incredibly high ever since the Covid-19 pandemic. With over 150,100 open healthcare jobs in the third quarter of 2022,
The Canadian government took steps to make it simpler for healthcare professionals to move to Canada in order to address this issue. Targeted Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) Draws have been conducted throughout 2022 to welcome foreign medical professionals and make it simpler for physicians to apply for Permanent Residence through Express Entry. Currently, one in four healthcare professionals in Canada is an immigrant, according to the IRCC.
Significant numbers of open positions were also reported in other industries. Vacancies for professional and scientific services, construction, and food and lodging services were relatively high. In the construction industry, there were 81,100 positions open, matching the record level from the previous quarter. Carpenters and laborers were the most in demand.
Provinces in Canada with the most job vacancies
Job openings increased in Saskatchewan and Manitoba by 7.5% and 10.7%, respectively, in the third quarter of 2022.
The highest job vacancy rates are in British Columbia and Quebec, where they are 6.2% and 5.8%, respectively, and are steadily rising.
Province name | Number of Job vacancies | Province name | Number of Job vacancies |
British Columbia | 155,400 | Ontario | 364,000 |
Quebec | 232,400 | Alberta | 103,380 |
Manitoba | 32,400 | Saskatchewan | 24,300 |
Nova Scotia | 22,960 | New Brunswick | 16,430 |
Newfoundland and Labrador | 8,185 | Prince Edward Island | 4,090 |
Northwest Territories | 1,820 | Yukon | 1,720 |
Nunavut | 405 |
Future of skilled workers in Canada
Immigration becomes a top priority for the government as Canada tries to solve these labor shortages. The Express Entry system’s targeted draws for Canada’s most in-demand occupations are set to change in 2023. The IRCC will be able to better target its advertising and send ITAs in 2023 with the use of statistics on the number of open positions in each province’s most in-demand occupations.
By issuing OPWs (Open Work Permits) to families who are protected by LMIA-based work permits, Canada has been taking steps to boost its workforce in the country. Up to December 31, 2023, Canada also removed the restriction on the number of hours that an international student can work.
In 2023, there will be an increase in the hiring of skilled workers and foreign graduates by Canadian companies.
To find out more details about “Canadian employers increase wages to attract more workers” you can contact one of our immigration specialists at Gunness & Associates.
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