Labour Shortages in Quebec and Ontario Which Regions and Economic Sectors Are Most Affected

Quebec’s labour market has changed quickly in the space of a few years. Like elsewhere in the country, the North American economy’s expansion cycle led to good job creation and a drop in unemployment. The 5.5% it reached in Quebec last year even proved to be the lowest since the 1960s. Available labour has become insufficient in most regions and in many economic sectors. Unfavourable demographic trends have amplified the problem in Quebec. The number of vacant positions has soared, and some regions in the province have even recorded the fastest growth in that number of any region in Canada. Ontario is also experiencing a labour crunch. Some industries are more affected than others. The picture is not the same across the board, and there are some nuances: the positions to be filled are not all full time, with high salaries and education requirements.