The gradual lifting of health restrictions from coast to coast allowed restaurants and businesses, among others, to reopen and reduce unemployment in June 2021.
The unemployment rate fell to 7.8% in June in Canada from 8.2% in May. This is the second lowest unemployment rate since the start of the pandemic, after 7.5% recorded last March, according to Statistics Canada’s most recent Labor Force Survey (LFS).
The increase in part-time jobs (+230,700) in the retail and food service sectors is the main reason for this upturn. Young people aged 15 to 24 in particular took advantage of part-time jobs created at the start of the summer.
In Quebec, 72,000 additional jobs were created in June. The unemployment rate fell to 6.3%. In Ontario, 117,000 jobs were created and the unemployment rate is now 8.4%.
A total of 101,000 jobs appeared in accommodation and food services alone, the best gain in this sector since July 2020, especially in Quebec, Alberta and British Columbia.
However, the number of Canadians working from home fell by 400,000 in June to 4.7 million. The number of full-time jobs also fell by 33,200 in Canada.
Encouraging outlook for seasonal workers
Statistics Canada predicts that “over the next few months, further easing of public health restrictions will likely lead to continued economic recovery and a resumption of business activity.”
For now, students are active this summer. The number of jobs increased by 164,000 (+ 7.1%) among young people aged 15 to 24. This is the strongest single-month growth for this age group since July 2020.
Seasonal employment prospects remain good for the coming weeks as several businesses and restaurants are still looking for employees due to the lifting of sanitary measures.
A recent survey by the Federation of Chambers of Commerce also shows that 86% of Quebec businesses believe they are in a situation of scarcity of labor. In addition, 74% of employers say they have vacant positions posted for more than 90 days.
For its part, in order to alleviate the labor shortage, Quebec will invest an additional $ 30 million over four years in the Short-Term Training Program (COUD). Goal? Give priority to internships in professions that the Labor Market Partners Commission (CPMT) prioritizes in agrifood, transport electrification, green economy and aeronautics.