Canada Sees Rise In Job Vacancy Numbers 

Canada Sees Rise In Job Vacancy Numbers 

In November 2023, job vacancies showed a glimmer of improvement, reaching 653,000 after months of stagnation and decline. While this is uplifting news, it's crucial to understand the broader picture.

Impact on Industries 💼
The accommodation and food services industry saw a notable rise in job vacancies by 12.6%, signalling a positive trend. However, compared to the previous year, there was a significant drop of 31.7%.

Similarly, retail trade and manufacturing experienced increases, providing a much-needed boost. The job vacancy rate in these sectors varied, showing the complexities of the job market.

Regional Variances 🌍
Ontario experienced a surge in job vacancies by 9.8%, offering a promising outlook. Meanwhile, British Columbia boasted the highest job vacancy rate at 4.2%, showcasing regional differences.

Health Care and Social Assistance Stays Steady 🏥
In the health care and social assistance sector, vacancies remained unchanged for the third consecutive month. Although stability is positive, it's important to note the year-over-year decrease of 16.2%.

Overall Job Landscape 🌐 
Total labour demand, a combination of filled and unfilled positions, remained relatively stable. However, the overall job vacancy rate increased slightly to 3.7%, showing tightness in the labour market.

TRENDING NEWS

• Canada is addressing the housing needs of colleges and universities by offering low-interest loans for student housing construction. The Apartment Construction Loan Program, part of a $40 billion initiative, aims to support post-secondary institutions facing study permit caps. Concerns about a housing crisis and the impact of reduced international student numbers prompted provinces to enhance oversight. While Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasizes the importance of international students, efforts are underway to prevent abuse and uphold academic quality. Colleges and Institutes Canada expressed concerns about potential layoffs, closures, and increased tuition fees due to study permit caps.
  

• The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has made modest progress in reducing the backlog of immigration applications, decreasing from 2.4 million in June to 2.2 million by December of 2023. Despite a seven percent drop, challenges persist, leading the House of Commons committee to urge the IRCC to set deadlines and adapt accountability measures. The backlog affects applicants under multiple permanent and temporary immigration streams impacting Canada's global reputation and causing disruptions to conferences and tourism. The committee's December 2023 report suggests 40 recommendations to address these challenges. Read more

• Canada has emerged as the top global work destination, surpassing the United States and other major countries. Givetastic's research, based on Google search results, highlights Canada's appeal with abundant job opportunities, free healthcare, and an excellent education system. The United States ranks seventh. Canada's fluid employer sponsorship and work permit programs; its two-tier immigration system, including the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs, facilitates smooth transition to permanent residency. Moreover, Canada leads in international education, processing a record 740,000 student visa applications in 2022. However major restrictions will occur in 2024. Read more
  

• Canada should learn from Australia’s international student policies as it grapples with immigration issues as study permit holders lack records, impacting its reputation. Learning from Australia's past crisis, expert David McKinnon suggests recognizing policy consequences, proactive leadership, and fostering social cohesion. Canada's recent cap on international students aims to address housing and affordability concerns. Institutions are urged to seek advice from Australian counterparts for effective policy changes and reputation restoration. Read more
  

• British Columbia responds to the federal government's temporary cap on study permits by banning new enrolments of international students in private colleges for two years. Aimed at eradicating exploitative practices, the province sets language requirements, increases school inspections, and demands transparency in tuition fees. Minister Selina Robinson emphasizes protecting students and attracting talent that will meet market needs while addressing concerns about potential economic harm and tuition increases. Read more

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NUMBERS TO KNOW

• First Major Canada Express Entry Draw of 2024 Issues 7,000 Invitations to Apply for French Language Speakers Read more

• Saskatchewan Entrepreneur Draw: Province Invites 13 Canada Immigration Candidates Read more

• Canada conducted its third Express Entry draw for the new year, issuing 730 Invitations to Apply (ITAs) under the General category Read more

• British Columbia PNP Draw: Province Issues At Least 205 Canada Immigration Invitations Read more

• Manitoba Issues 275 Canada Immigration Invitations In New PNP Draw Read more

FEATURED PODCAST

In today's episode of “My Great Canada”, we dive into Canada's evolving Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) rules. We will unravel the recent IRCC announcements – from program restrictions to positive shifts for master's graduates. Explore the effects of caps on international students and their impact on provinces. Listen to important predictions and insights into on-campus and off-campus work opportunities, shaping the future for international students in Canada.

FEATURED VIDEO