Canada's job scene: Understanding the Feb 2021 survey results

The latest situation of Canada’s job scene and job trends can be assessed and understood from the observations and updates of the Labor Force Survey. The latest report on jobs and labor-related statistics was published in February 2021 by the Labor Force Survey.

Skilled foreign workers have always found Canada the most ideal destination to migrate for jobs either with a Canada work visa or a Canada PR visa. The options and opportunities for international workers that Canada keeps open to immigrate surpasses what any other country of the world offers.

To understand the present and future of job generation, expectations from immigrants, and the ups and dips that happened in the Canadian job scene, let’s glance at the Labor Force survey results.

The data from the Labor Force Survey in February 2021 reflects the labor market conditions during the week of February 14 to Feb 20, 2021. The following are some of the important observations made from the report.

• Many non-essential businesses, few in-person dining, and cultural and recreation facilities were reopened in early February. This followed the easing of public health restrictions.
• The easing of restrictions was more evident in the Canadian provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Alberta, and Quebec. The restrictions imposed before were also lifted in Ontario on February 10 and 15, 2021.
• Several measures were eased in Manitoba on February 12, 2021, while Newfoundland and Labrador brought back lockdown in the province on February 12, 2021. This led to the widespread closure of businesses that are non-essential.
• In February, employment in Canada increased by 259,000. This resurgence was after a dip by 266,000 over the 2 previous months.
• Part-time work increased by 171,000 and full-time work increased by 88,000.
• There was an increase of 226,000 in the employees in the private sector.
• In comparison with February 2020, February 2021recorded a fall in people employed by 599,000. 406,000 more people worked less than half of their usual working hours.
• The unemployment rate fell 1.2% and reached 8.2%. This was the lowest unemployment rate since March 2020.
• The number of workers in retail trade increased by 122,000 in February 2021.
• Employment in the accommodation and food services industry increased by 65,000. This was primarily driven by Ontario and Alberta.
• Employment increased in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec by 100,000 and 113,000 respectively.
• British Columbia, Manitoba, and Alberta also increased. But Newfoundland & Labrador recorded a decline in employment at the same time.
• The youth unemployment rate fell by 2.6%, reaching 17.6% in February 2021. This was higher compared to the 10.4% recorded in February 2020.
• Employment hiked by 134,000 among individuals aged 25 to 54 years. This restored many of the jobs that were lost in January 2021, especially among women who were into part-time employment.
• Employment among individuals aged 55 and older increased by 25,000 in February 2021.
• There has also been a hike by 1.4% in the total hours worked which was driven by the gains in wholesale and retail trade.
• Despite the dip in population growth in Canada, owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, the increase in population has happened nevertheless. The immigrants who arrived in Canada, including those who came as skilled] workers in in-demand occupations, have contributed to the population growth.

The performance of Canada in the largest part has been quite positive and progressive in 2021 so far. This is seen in the way the country has organized immigration draws that is tending to invite a large number of candidates. For those who are willing to work overseas, Canada has set the right stage for setting foot in the country that has always had the best to offer newcomers.

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