Future of work
A curated resource of recent research on trends shaping Canada's labour market.
The report discusses the influence of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic outcomes for new immigrants to Canada, comparing results for those who arrived in 2019 versus those who arrived in 2020.
Immigrants admitted in 2019 experienced a drop in their median entry wage, a reversal from the consistent increases of previous years.
In comparison, immigrants admitted in 2020—many of whom had pre-admission experience in Canada—saw an increase in their median entry wages compared to pre-pandemic levels. The author explains that work experience was crucial to this difference.
Among new immigrants, level of economic integration and outcomes vary by sex, admission category and pre-admission work experience. The report finds that those who held work or study permits before admission achieved the highest median entry wages. This highlights the valuable role that Canadian work and study experiences can play in economic integration for immigrants.
The report also reveals that gender disparities persist, with men still generally earning more than women. However, women admitted in 2020 experienced a greater percentage increase in their median entry wage.
According to the report, despite initial setbacks, the economic integration of new immigrants began to recover in 2021, with pre-admission experience continuing to play a key role in their ability to attain higher wages.
The report concludes by suggesting that facilitating work and study opportunities in Canada for potential immigrants could enhance their economic success upon admission.