Canada recorded 528,000 job vacancies in February 2025, according to fresh data from Statistics Canada. While the number of open positions has held steady over the past six months, it marks a sharp drop of nearly 20% compared to February 2024. That’s a loss of over 131,000 jobs in just a year.
The national job vacancy rate now stands at 2.9%, down from 3.7% a year ago. The trend signals a shift: fewer openings, more job seekers. Employers are still hiring—but with more caution. For every job vacancy, there are now 2.8 unemployed Canadians, up from 2.0 last year.
With unemployment creeping up and job availability tightening, the labour market has turned more competitive for workers across most provinces and industries.
Healthcare, Retail, and Hospitality Still Lead Job Demand
Despite the decline in overall openings, three major sectors still account for over 40% of all job vacancies in Canada:
| Sector | % of Total Vacancies | Year-over-Year Change |
| Healthcare & Social Assistance | 19.9% | ↓ 24,700 (–19%) |
| Accommodation & Food Services | 11.6% | ↓ 18,600 (–23.3%) |
| Retail Trade | 10.1% | ↓ Significant |
The healthcare sector remains the only one with more vacancies now than before the pandemic, despite seeing a recent drop. The demand for nurses, support workers, and caregivers continues to drive hiring activity.
By contrast, the hospitality and retail industries, which boomed during the pandemic recovery, are now seeing sharp declines as consumer spending slows and inflation pressures ease.
Finance Gains, Construction Falls: Sectoral Breakdown
Not all sectors moved in the same direction. Some industries saw job openings increase, while others hit their lowest points in years.
Sectors with Increases
- Finance and Insurance: +7,500 vacancies (total: 22,100)
- Educational Services: slight growth
Sectors With Steep Declines
- Construction: –18,500 jobs (–31.6%)
- Accommodation and Food Services: –18,600 jobs (–23.3%)
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: –24,700 jobs (–19%)
- Transportation and Warehousing: dropped to its lowest level since 2017
Out of 20 major industries, 14 reported fewer vacancies compared to last year. These numbers paint a clear picture: Canadian employers are adjusting hiring plans as economic conditions shift.
Provinces With the Highest and Lowest Job Vacancy Rates
Regional differences also stood out in the report. While some provinces saw an increase in demand, others experienced notable slowdowns.
Provinces With Rising Job Vacancies
- Ontario: +14,300 vacancies (total: 194,600)
- Manitoba: +3,200 vacancies (total: 22,200)
Provinces with Declines
- Quebec: –11,400 vacancies (total: 116,400)
- Alberta and Newfoundland: lower vacancy rates and slower job growth
While Manitoba and B.C. still show higher-than-average vacancy rates, the national trend leans toward fewer job openings and greater competition.
What This Means for Immigrants and Job Seekers
The recent drop in Canada job vacancies may sound discouraging, but it also signals an opportunity for skilled newcomers. Healthcare roles remain in high demand, and provinces like Manitoba and Ontario continue to grow.
Key takeaways for newcomers:
- Specialised skills in healthcare, finance, and tech will still give you an edge.
- Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs) remain active in targeting regional labour shortages.
- Job readiness, certifications, and language proficiency can greatly improve your hiring chances.
Those planning to immigrate should focus on sectors that remain resilient and provinces with strong labour demand.
A Shifting Landscape with Targeted Opportunities
Canada’s labour market is changing. While job vacancies in Canada have declined overall, demand remains strong in key areas like healthcare and finance. For skilled professionals, this is still a land of opportunity, just with new rules. Whether you’re a newcomer or planning to immigrate, the key is alignment. Align your skills with what Canada needs most, and you’ll find your place even in a tighter market. Stay tuned with ImmigCanada!
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