Employment in Canada

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For the 14th consecutive year employment increased in Canada in 2006, it rose by 2.1% (+345,000) the highest growth rate since 2002. While employment is growing throughout the country, it is the west of Canada that is seeing the most employment opportunities.

Alberta's employment rose substantially for the year (+6.0% or 109,000), its largest rate of growth since 1980. Although Alberta represents only 10% of working-age Canadians, it accounted for almost one-third of all employment growth in 2006. More opportunities were found across the goods and service sectors, natural resources; manufacturing; construction; educational services; health care and social assistance; and accommodation and food services. Employment rose in the other provinces with Saskatchewan up an estimated 323,000 (+4.8%) for the year. British Columbia also had employment growth in 2006, as did Ontario who saw a rise of 1.8% (+113,000) for the year.

With continued strength in employment, average hourly wages stood at an estimated $20.00 in 2006, an increase of 2.6% from the year before. Alberta's tight labour market continued to put pressure on the province's wages, which rose 5.9% from a year ago to $21.60, the highest growth rate in the country. Alberta surpassed Ontario throughout 2006 for the highest hourly wages.

Canada's Hot Jobs

Bricklayers
Carpenters
Drywallers/Plasterers
Electricians
Mechanics
Nurses
Plumbers/Gas Fitters
Tile Installers
Truck Drivers
Welders

Careers

Career's Assistance
Employment Programs

Opportunities are available throughout Canada from coast to coast for both tradespeople and professionals.

How do I find employment in Canada?

From the figures above it is obvious that there are many opportunities in Canada for Skilled Workers, but how do you get a job in a country you are yet to live in? Finding employment in the province you have chosen to migrate to is probably one of your top priorities. Having the assurance of a job in your trade or profession will help ease the pressure off your relocation. If you have established employment, it may enable your residency application to be prioritized or enable you to make the move to Canada before your Permanent Residency is granted by obtaining a work permit.

Before relocating to Canada you will have to make a decision when you will start seeking employment.

Your options are:
1) Find an employer before you become a permanent resident of Canada and obtain an employer specific work permit. This will allow you to live and work in Canada while your residency is being processed.

2) Establish Pre-Arranged Employment before you are resident in Canada. This involves finding a genuine and eligible employer who is willing to wait approximately 12-18 months for you to arrive in Canada. Having Pre Arranged Employment will also prioritize your residency application.

3) Seek employment when your Permanent Residency application has been approved.

Whichever option you decide is right for you, WBC's Careers and Relocation Team can assist you.

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