This study examines newcomers’ labour market integration experiences in Regina, Saskatchewan. While larger Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver are often the preferred destinations, smaller communities are growing in popularity. In Saskatchewan, over 18% of the population was born outside Canada. Between 2016 and 2021, the province welcomed over 43,000 immigrants, with Saskatoon and Regina as primary destinations. This research looks at the factors that impede the labour market integration and career development of newcomers to smaller centres. Among the most significant challenges identified, over 70% of participants felt that the language barrier was the most difficult to overcome. Furthermore, they pointed to a need for Canadian work experience, inaccessible childcare options, access to transportation and credential recognition as other barriers. The authors call for more comprehensive and gender-responsive policies since these findings show that immigrant women are disproportionately affected due to family responsibilities, which further impacts their success in the Canadian labour market.
Key Takeaway
Immigrants face challenges integrating into the Canadian labour market. Since family responsibilities add an extra barrier for immigrant women, comprehensive gender-responsive programs and policies could better support them.
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July 17, 2026 |
Key Takeaway: AI is changing jobs, skills, and career pathways faster than traditional employment and training systems can adapt. The transition raises broader questions about income security, career development, human skills, and access to sustainable livelihoods.
2026 |
Key Takeaway:
Labour market policies—such as changes to unemployment income supports or employability programs—should not be judged solely by how well they protect participants’ income: they can have broader effects on the overall labour market, including indirect effects on people not in the programs.
2026 |
Key Takeaway: Generative AI is now used by many workers in Canada, but its use varies widely across occupations and industries. In March 2026, 35.9% of workers reported using generative AI at work in the previous 12 months. Use was much higher in occupations that tend to be more exposed to AI, such as in the senior management, applied and natural sciences, finance, and education fields. Many workers who did not use these tools said they were not relevant to their work.
2026 |
Key Takeaway: The use of generative AI is expanding quickly but unevenly across Canadian workplaces. Its reported use rose to 30% from 17% from September 2024 to July 2025, but remains concentrated in knowledge-intensive jobs performed by highly educated workers.
2024 |
Key Takeaway:
AI is changing the skills employers look for in many occupations. The report finds that while most workers won’t need specialized AI skills, there is a growing demand for communication, social, language, and emotional skills in occupations that are highly exposed to AI.
2026 |
Key Takeaway:
Rather than eliminating occupations, AI is changing tasks and the types of skills that employers demand. Workers will need foundational, digital, complementary, and specialized skills, supported by accessible education and training.
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