Why Are Job Vacancies So High in Canada?

To address labor shortages and high job vacancies in Canada, government officials and businesses frequently resort to immigration as a solution. Indeed, shortages were the major reason for the federal government’s decision to increase immigration targets. According to current immigration targets, Canada is aiming to welcome 465,000 immigrants in 2023, 485,000 in 2024, and 500,000 in 2025.

Looking at these notable numbers, the question of “Why is Canada bringing in so many immigrants” arises. However, the reason is simple, immigrants help fill the Canadian labor market needs. Furthermore, the large number of these vacancies reflects factors like low salary proposals and fringe advantages.

Also, work schedules might not align with the priorities of job seekers, and in some cases, shortages of candidates with relevant experience. Even though various government programs are prioritizing immigration routes for skilled workers, once workers arrive here, they continue to face hindrances such as Canadian work experience requirements and credentialing. In addition, some provinces of Canada have detailed labor market requirements that cannot be met by the provincial population. 

An example is the province of Alberta, which has a large oil and gas sector that needs skilled workers, many of whom are immigrants. In this article, you’ll understand why job vacancies are high in Canada. Read on!

Reasons for High Job Vacancies in Canada

Canada has an aged population, simply put, there are not sufficiently young people joining the labor market to replace those retiring. As a result of this, the country needs to bring in immigrants to fill jobs in a wide range of industries. These industries include the healthcare sector, technology, and construction sectors.

Another reason for the high job vacancies in Canada is low birth rates. However, this tendency is causing Canada’s labor market to shrink thereby negatively affecting the country’s economy in numerous ways.

1. Canada’s aging population

Interestingly, the percentage of individuals aged 65 and above in Canada has risen to 7 million, denoting an increase of 18.3% between 2016 and 2021. This age group of Canadians baby boomers now represents 20% of the total population. However, lots of baby boomers are retiring thereby giving room for more job vacancies in Canada.

2. Canadians are bearing fewer children

The natural Canadian population growth is decreasing because Canada’s fertility rate is below the population substitute status. However, the current population substitute level is at 2.1 children per woman. The country’s fertility rate has steadily reduced over time, reaching a record low of 1.4 children per woman in 2020.

How High Job Vacancies Can Benefit Canadian Employers

Canada is a significantly friendly and welcoming country, and it’s no surprise that its workforce echoes these values. Providing high job vacancies for immigrants can bring a range of benefits to Canadian employers. Dive in to know some of these benefits.

1. Access to a broader collection of talents

By opening up job opportunities to immigrants, Canadian employers can access a broader collection of talents. This can be especially valuable for industries facing skills shortages or for technical roles that are challenging to fill locally.

2. Improve diversity and cultural awareness 

Employing immigrants can bring a mixed range of viewpoints and ideas to the workplace, which can further increase creativity and innovation. Also, it can help promote a more inclusive workplace culture, with employees from various backgrounds working together and learning from each other.

3. Heightened competitiveness 

By creating job vacancies for immigrants with technical skills and expertise, Canadian employers can boost their competitiveness on the international ranking. This can be extremely helpful for companies looking to grow into international markets.

4. Improved flexibility

Employing foreign workers temporarily can provide Canadian employers with more flexibility in their workforce. For example, they can get in workers for short-term tasks or to cover staffing gaps during busy periods.

5. Improved cultural relations

Bringing in immigrants for job purposes can provide valuable cultural relations for both employers and employees. However, employers can learn about different cultures and work techniques, while employees can experience a new country and gain valuable work experience.

Some Job Vacancies Available in Canada

Some of these jobs are in high demand for hiring in Canada. However, some require no college degree, some have online courses, and others allow you to work remotely. Let’s look at some high-paying jobs that are growing the fastest and hiring the most in Canada.

1. Home Health and Personal Care Aide

This career was in high demand during the pandemic and has remained at the spot. However, it has the highest employment rate out of all careers. If you take up this job, you’ll travel to people’s homes, group homes, and other locations to provide daily care to patients.

You will dispense medication and check the patient’s pulse rates, temperature, and blood pressure readings. In addition, you can earn about $27,280 a year. Just think about how your work will be helping people, saving lives, and joining the ranks of medical heroes. If you’re working for a certified home health or hospice agency, you’ll need to complete some activities and likely take some standardized tests. 

2. Chef

Are you a lover of food, do you love to cook for people? then it’s time to make some earnings. Most chefs learn their skills through work experience and you don’t need a College Degree. However, you can obtain training from the best community colleges, technical schools, culinary schools, or four-year colleges.

Your job is to select the dishes to serve, manage the daily food preparation, and direct the kitchen staff to handle any food-related situations. You get to work around food all day and average earnings is around $53,380 per year.

3. Animal Caretaker

If you love being around animals all day, a job opening as an animal caretaker may be the perfect fit. Each of the animals you love will have diverse needs. But, on average, you can earn about $28,000 a year and most people are self-employed. 

However, this could be a reasonable job as you get to set your working hours, work part-time, and build your business. As an animal caretaker, you’ll be doing everything from grooming and pet sitting to helping at an animal shelter or dog daycare. 

The job responsibilities of an animal caretaker may include the following. 

1. Making sure animals have satisfactory food and water.
2. Providing the animal with exercise opportunities such as playtime, hikes, or walks.
3. Ensuring that living areas and cages or crates are clean and healthy for the animals.
4. Also keep a log of diet, medications, and each animal’s behavior if needed.
5. Daily bathing and grooming different animals.

4. Logistician

With all the supply chain talk over the last couple of years, it’s no surprise people are in demand for this job. Logisticians work with companies in the manufacturing sector, but sometimes with the federal government to ensure that their supply chain operates smoothly. You’ll help the companies get the supplies they require to make the products and then make sure those products get to the consumers.

You need to be a natural at organizing and harmonizing and then pump up the skill and apply it on a much bigger hierarchy. In addition, with this job, you can earn an average salary of $77,030 a year. An associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree may be required. Your relationship with transportation companies is therefore crucial.

You’ll be ensuring that a company has the supplies needed to produce its product and that the finished product can make its way to the correct destination. Furthermore, your duties include all the logistics for timing and coordinating transportation as well as storage for the goods. Also, it’s a fast-paced job that needs maintaining relationships with different suppliers and brainstorming ways to facilitate a process when possible.

Conclusion

It’s important to note that creating job vacancies in high demand in Canada is subject to certain rules and regulations. Employers must obtain a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and ensure that foreign workers are paid the same wages and receive the same benefits as Canadian workers. Nevertheless, the benefits of hiring foreign workers can far overshadow the administrative limitations associated with the hiring process.

Canada’s aged population and reduced birth rate are major reasons for high job vacancies in Canada. However, insufficient young people are joining the labor market to replace those retiring. As well as lesser young generations to uplift the country’s economic growth. The country needs to bring in immigrants to fill jobs in a wide range of industries and organizations.