Canada’s labour market cooled in April 2025. Vacant positions fell by 16,800 to 501,300 – the lowest total since October 2017. Despite the slowdown, opportunities remain unevenly spread across sectors and provinces, and savvy newcomers can still find strong demand in key fields such as health care, food services and the Prairies’ growing economies.
On This Page You Will Find
- April 2025 vacancy highlights
- Sectors with the highest demand
- Provincial vacancy comparison
- Tips for improving job search success
- Answers to common newcomer questions
April 2025 Snapshot
Total job vacancies: 501,300
Month-over-month change: -3.2 %
Year-over-year change: -15.4 %
Job vacancy rate: 2.8 % (lowest since 2017)
Unemployed persons per vacancy: 3.1 (up from 2.9 in March)
Why Vacancies Are Shrinking
Nine months of flat hiring finally tipped into decline. Employers appear more cautious as borrowing costs remain high and consumers pull back on spending. While the overall unemployment rate climbed to 6.9 %, much of the increase reflects a larger workforce rather than mass layoffs.
Sector Trends – Where Demand Remains
- Health care and social assistance – 4.1 % vacancy rate
Despite a sharp 23.9 % drop in openings over the past year, this sector still holds the highest share of unfilled jobs. Doctors, nurses, personal support workers and allied health professionals continue to rank high on provincial priority lists. - Accommodation and food services – 4.0 % vacancy rate
Restaurants and hotels remain short-staffed, even after vacancies fell 21.7 % year over year. Employers increasingly use provincial nominee streams and the new Recognised Employer Pilot to recruit cooks, servers and supervisors. - Finance and insurance – vacancies down 18 % in April
Hiring slowed sharply in April, yet year-over-year demand is steady. Tech-savvy newcomers with risk analysis, compliance or fintech skills may still find openings in Toronto, Vancouver and Montréal. - Wholesale trade – vacancies down 13.7 % in April
This sector now sits at its lowest vacancy level since 2017, reflecting softer retail sales.
Provincial Picture – Where the Jobs Are
| Province | April vacancies | MoM change | Vacancy rate | Highlights for Immigrants |
| Manitoba | 17,300 | Little change | 3.3 % | Strong demand in health care, trucking and food manufacturing |
| Saskatchewan | 13,700 | Little change | 3.3 % | Agricultural tech, nursing and construction trades in short supply |
| British Columbia | 78,700 | -8.5 % | 3.1 % | Tech and tourism still hiring, but growth has slowed |
| Alberta | 61,200 | -9.4 % | 2.9 % | Energy transition and film production fuelling niche demand |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 4,200 | -26.3 % | 2.1 % | Offshore projects offer episodic openings |
New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador show the lowest vacancy rates, but even there critical-skills streams target nurses and early childhood educators.
Unemployment-to-Vacancy Ratio – Reading the Signal
Canada now has 3.1 unemployed persons for every open job. While this ratio favours employers, it still sits well below the global average of roughly 5 : 1. Provinces with ratios under 3 : 1 typically process provincial nominations faster for in-demand occupations.
Strategic Tips for Newcomers
- Target high-need sectors – Health care, child care and skilled trades remain on every province’s shortage list.
- Leverage regional programs – Smaller provinces with vacancy rates above the national level may fast-track qualified applicants.
- Upgrade credentials early – A lower vacancy rate means employers can demand full Canadian equivalency.
- Follow seasonal peaks – Accommodation and food services hire aggressively each spring and summer.
- Use employer-specific streams – Recognised Employer Pilot and Sectoral TFW streams shorten work-permit processing for vetted firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Canada still facing labour shortages in 2025?
Yes, but shortages are more concentrated. Health care, food services and skilled trades continue to post higher-than-average vacancy rates, while finance and wholesale trade have cooled. Targeting sectors and regions that still need talent improves your chances.
Which province offers the best odds for landing a job quickly?
Manitoba and Saskatchewan boast the highest vacancy rates at 3.3 %, coupled with population growth that lags Ontario and British Columbia. That mix often leads to faster interviews and stronger provincial nominee invitations for qualified applicants.
How does a lower vacancy rate affect Express Entry scores?
A tighter labour market can raise the Comprehensive Ranking System cut-off if provinces nominate fewer candidates. However, category-based draws for health care, STEM and trades continue to invite profiles with competitive but not record-breaking scores.
Do I need Canadian work experience if vacancies are falling?
Local experience remains valuable, but many employers still hire directly from overseas, especially in priority occupations. Co-op programs, bridging courses and credential assessments can help newcomers compete even when overall demand eases.
What steps should I take before arriving?
Research provincial labour-market outlooks, secure credential assessments, and connect with pre-arrival settlement services. Preparing targeted résumés and verifying language scores will save time when job postings appear.
