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Future of work

A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.

Canada leads the G7 for the most educated workforce, thanks to immigrants, young adults and a strong college sector, but is experiencing significant losses in apprenticeship certificate holders in key trades. The Daily. Government of Canada. 
November 30, 2022 | BY Statistics Canada
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Key Takeaway
Despite the high rate of educated Canadians, the labour market is facing a shortage of skilled workers.

 

This report looks at the educational attainment of working age (25–64) Canadians and their related labour market outcomes based on the 2021 census. Compared to the 2016 census, the number of Canadians reporting college or university education increased by almost 20%. This trend did not hold true, however, for apprenticeship certification. 

Construction trades remained unchanged from the previous census, and certification for trades related to mechanic and repair technologies and precision production experienced a decline. Construction trades are reporting labour shortages as the number of retirements outpace new apprentice certification. In addition, labour demand for trade certification has seen an increase, further exasperating the labour shortage. 

Health care continues to report labour shortages, in part due to underemployment for foreign-trained Canadians who run into issues with credential recognition or language proficiency. Overall, labour shortages are a concern in key sectors due to high rates of retirement and underemployment of specific demographics.  

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