Ottawa Employment and Social Development Canada projects that more than 2 million new and replacement job openings will be created across Canada over the next decade, largely due to retirements and an ageing workforce.

Federal labour market outlook data indicates that over 25% of current workers are expected to retire during this period. The majority of openings will come from replacement demand rather than entirely new positions, reshaping hiring patterns across provinces.

The outlook is officially confirmed through federal labour market projections and reflects continued workforce pressures in healthcare, technology, construction, skilled trades, logistics, and natural resources.

Why Canada’s Workforce Is Expanding Despite Slower Population Growth

Canada’s labour market growth is being driven primarily by demographics.

A significant share of the workforce is approaching retirement age, particularly in healthcare, education, skilled trades, and public administration. As experienced workers exit, employers must recruit domestically and internationally to fill vacancies.

At the same time, federal and provincial governments are investing heavily in:

• Infrastructure and housing construction
• Clean energy and natural resources
• Healthcare system expansion
• Digital transformation and advanced manufacturing

These investments are sustaining long-term hiring needs across multiple sectors.

Sectors Expected to See the Highest Job Demand

Federal projections suggest the strongest demand will be concentrated in essential and high-skill industries.

Healthcare and Nursing

Canada’s ageing population is increasing demand for nurses, personal support workers, and allied health professionals.

Information Technology

Digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence are driving sustained hiring in software engineering, cloud computing, and data analytics.

Engineering and Construction

Large-scale housing and infrastructure projects are increasing demand for civil engineers, electricians, heavy equipment operators, and site managers.

Skilled Trades and Logistics

Labour shortages in transportation, warehousing, and skilled trades continue to affect supply chains nationwide.

Provincial Job Outlook: Where Opportunities Are Concentrated

While job openings are expected nationwide, federal data shows higher concentrations in:

• Ontario – IT, finance, healthcare, construction
• Alberta – Energy, engineering, logistics, construction
• British Columbia – Technology, healthcare, hospitality
• Quebec – Manufacturing, IT, engineering
• Prairies (Saskatchewan and Manitoba) – Agriculture, trades, healthcare

Labour shortages are particularly pronounced in rural and remote regions.

Immigration and Foreign Worker Demand

To address workforce gaps, Canada continues to use immigration and temporary worker pathways.

Key programs include:

• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Program
• Global Talent Stream
• Post-Graduation Work Permit

These programs support employers facing shortages in high-demand occupations, particularly in healthcare and technology.

Federal policy adjustments in recent years have aimed to balance labour market needs with housing and infrastructure capacity.

Salary Outlook Across Major Sectors

While wages vary by province and experience level, projected average annual salaries in high-demand sectors include:

• Healthcare: ~CAD 75,000
• Information Technology: ~CAD 90,000
• Engineering: ~CAD 85,000
• Construction & Skilled Trades: ~CAD 70,000
• Finance & Accounting: ~CAD 78,000

Compensation levels are influenced by collective agreements, provincial regulations, and regional labour shortages.

Cost of Living Considerations

Canada’s cost of living varies significantly by region.

Major metropolitan areas such as Toronto and Vancouver report higher housing costs compared to Calgary, Edmonton, or Winnipeg.

Estimated average monthly expenses may include:

• Rent (city centre): CAD 1,200–1,800
• Groceries: CAD 300–450
• Utilities: CAD 120–180
• Public transit: CAD 100–160

Healthcare remains publicly funded for eligible residents through provincial systems.

What This Means for Canadian Workers

The projected 2 million job openings reflect structural demographic change rather than short-term economic expansion.

For Canadian residents:

• Skilled trades and healthcare training may offer stable employment.
• Career mobility may increase due to replacement demand.
• Regional relocation could improve employment prospects.

For internationally trained professionals, Canadian work experience can strengthen eligibility under permanent residence pathways.

Practical Guidance: How to Prepare

If you are considering entering or re-entering the workforce:

• Review federal labour market projections on the ESDC website.
• Upgrade certifications aligned with high-demand occupations.
• Monitor provincial job banks and employer postings.
• For immigrants, check eligibility through Express Entry or provincial streams.

No direct federal payment or application is required to benefit from this labour outlook. However, immigration applicants must follow established work permit or PR processes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When will the 2 million job openings occur?

Over the next 10 years, primarily due to retirements and workforce replacement needs.

Is this projection officially confirmed?

Yes. The outlook is based on federal labour market projections from Employment and Social Development Canada.

Which sectors will see the highest demand?

Healthcare, IT, engineering, construction, and skilled trades are expected to lead hiring.

Will immigration programs continue to support hiring?

Yes. Programs such as Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program remain active pathways.

Do I need to apply to receive any government payment?

No. This is a labour market projection, not a government benefit program.

Which provinces will have the most jobs?

Ontario, Alberta, and British Columbia are projected to see the highest concentration of openings.