Have you ever wondered why finding a job in Canada is so hard? Perhaps it’s because you’re living in one of the worst cities, where it’s hard to get a job. On the other hand, if you want to expand your horizons and grow, you can now find out if your city is a seedbed of employment or if it would be best to start your new career path!
The Bank of Montreal‘s annual Regional Labor Market Report Card indicates the employment climate in 33 Canadian cities. The compiled data considers the changes to the employment market throughout 2018 to give us insight into how different cities compare regarding jobs. So, where are Canada’s best and worst cities for getting a job?
Here are the ten best cities in Canada to secure a job right now:
1. Toronto, Ontario
Toronto has an unemployment rate of 6% and is one of the top-ranked cities in the world. It is also the most dominant city in Canada in terms of businesses and industries.
In Toronto, you will find almost all the head offices in the financial services industry, including banking and insurance. Everything you can think of in line with light manufacturing and distribution continues in Toronto.
T.V. and film production is also significant in Toronto. Considering the low Canadian dollar, many U.S. producers looking to save money by producing their films in Canada often move to Toronto.
Toronto is an economically growing city, attracting immigrants from all over the world. Therefore, it is the best place to find new job opportunities in Canada.
2. Vancouver, British Columbia
Vancouver has an unemployment rate of 4.6% and a 7.1% employment growth rate. This city takes pride in housing major industries like film and T.V. production, shipping, real estate, hospitality, and clean tech. A lot of wealth exists in this city.
Job opportunities exist here, especially in the entertainment and high-tech industries. Luckily, if you have education and experience in one of the above-mentioned industries, there are plenty of opportunities.
In addition, you will do fine if you have a legal business background as well. There’s something for everyone’s taste in Vancouver due to the rapidly growing industries.
3. Montreal, Quebec
Montreal has an unemployment rate of 5.7% and is the French-speaking province of Quebec. If you can speak French fluently, it is the place to be in Canada. It is often referred to as the most European city in North America.
Some major industries operating in Montreal include aerospace, electronic goods, software engineering, telecommunications, tourism, and textile manufacturing. It also supports the growth of high-tech and innovation sectors, including artificial intelligence, video games, and visual effects.
Are you looking for a city that offers stimulating work experiences? Look no further; Montreal is all you need!
4. Quebec City
Quebec has an unemployment rate of 3.6% and a 4.1% yearly employment growth rate. The city’s jobs include health care, retail, and public administration. However, its job market is diversified and has considerable growth potential.
Quebec City’s largest employer is the provincial government. It also has critical industries such as agriculture, mining, tourism, hydroelectricity, and forestry. Because of the many sectors thriving here and its booming economy, many consider it the ideal city opportunity.
5. Calgary, Alberta
Calgary is also one of the best cities in Canada for getting a job. With its unemployment rate of 7.1% and a 3.6% annual employment growth rate, Calgary is the critical energy industry, including oil and gas.
The level of unemployment here has declined because of a combination of low oil prices and a lack of pipeline capacity. However, Calgary’s economy is increasingly diversified, and the city’s workforce is spread across various industries.
Furthermore, employers from Calgary pay higher starting salaries to new hires than any other major city in Canada. Other industries you could work in include transportation and logistics, technology, the tourism sector, film and television, and retail,
Meanwhile, if you are looking for a place to settle for a high-paying job, Calgary could be the best place for you!
6. Edmonton, Alberta
Edmonton has an unemployment rate of 8%, is now officially the most unemployed major city in Canada, and has a 1.4% annual employment growth rate. However, the city of Edmonton offers outstanding, life-long careers to motivated people.
These individuals take the initiative and lead the way to impact the city positively. Some major industries in Edmonton include manufacturing, transportation, logistics, environmental engineering, petrochemicals, and tourism.
Edmonton offers excellent opportunities with access to abundant natural resources and significant connections to the key North American and Asian markets. The main reasons for Edmonton are lovely quality of life, affordability, exceptional education, and great jobs.
Are you young and in need of a job? Edmonton is your best shot as it ranked highest as the best place for young people to work. They offer a broad spectrum of employment for aged 15-29.
7. Ottawa, Ontario
Ottawa has an unemployment rate of 4.7% and a 3.5% yearly employment growth rate. It is one of the most economically developed cities in Canada. The country’s capital, Ottawa, is well known for being a government town.
If you have a public service background or education and are looking to work in the government sector, Ottawa is the best place to be, as there are many government buildings. In addition, the city has a pretty big startup community such that once you get involved, you interact and quickly get to know everyone.
It is the best city for stable employment due to its long-term sustainable economy. It has also created massive jobs in the local tech sector and job opportunities created during election periods.
8. Kitchener-Waterloo, Ontario
The twin cities of Kitchener and Waterloo have an unemployment rate of 5.3% and a 4.8% year-over-year employment growth rate. Waterloo is famous as an attractive destination with a strong reputation for tech innovation, education, and economy.
K-W has been one of Canada’s most critical high-tech hubs for many years. A large number of tech companies exist here. Its proximity to Toronto has propelled the city in a significant way.
Kitchener-Waterloo is a role model for cities looking to move away from the manufacturing industry. Because of its affordable housing, Kitchener-Waterloo has become a popular destination for more business-minded Canadians looking to set up shops.
These factors make Kitchener-Waterloo a city with one of the best employment opportunities in Canada.
9. Halifax, Nova Scotia
Halifax has an unemployment rate of 5.2% and a 1.4% yearly employment growth rate. In recent years, Halifax has maintained a strong economy compared to other cities in Canada.
Halifax has a lot going on, including the fact that it is a central east coast trading area, but shipbuilding contracts from the Canadian Navy have been a significant driver. Increased immigration in Halifax and its affordable living costs have given higher businesses confidence to invest, and they are hiring like crazy.
Halifax is also an exciting hub for startups and high-tech.
10. Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
Saskatoon has a jobless rate of 5.9% with a 5.4% annual job growth. The city’s economy is well driven by agriculture and mining industries. While this continues to be the city’s primary emphasis, Saskatoon has expanded into many employment fields, including oil and gas.
Because of its central location, Saskatoon is a significant source of distribution and logistics in Canada. The city also has a growing digital media scene with several successful startups.
When you combine these job varieties and the lower cost of living, Saskatoon becomes one of the highest-ranked cities for finding job opportunities in Canada.
Of course, it’s not all blushing! Here are Canada’s ten worst cities to get a job:
1. Sudbury, Ontario
Unemployment rate: 6.3%
Year-over-year employment growth: 2.5%
2. Saint John, New Brunswick
Unemployment rate: 6.3%
Year-over-year employment growth: 2.2%
3. Regina, Saskatchewan
Unemployment rate: 5.9%
Year-over-year employment growth: -1.3%
4. St. John’s, Newfoundland
Unemployment rate: 7.5%
Year-over-year employment growth: 1.7%
5. St. Catherine’s, Ontario
Unemployment rate: 6.9%
Year-over-year employment growth: 1.7%
6. Sherbrooke, Quebec
Unemployment rate: 5.5%
Year-over-year employment growth: -2.4%
7. Kingston, Ontario
Unemployment rate: 5.9%
Year-over-year employment growth: -3.6%
8. Trois-Rivieres, Quebec
Unemployment rate: 5.3%
Year-over-year employment growth: -1.1%
9. Saguenay, Quebec
Unemployment rate: 5.1%
Year-over-year employment growth: -2.4%
10. Brantford, Ontario
Unemployment rate: 6.4%
Year-over-year employment growth: -5.5%
Conclusion
Canada has a booming economy and offers many job opportunities in exciting fields. These opportunities are out there because Canada needs workers to participate in building its economy. All you have to do is search and apply for your dream job!
Whether you are looking to move to Canada for a job or are just considering your options, open your doors to change, as it can overwhelmingly benefit your career. The good news is that even in the worst cities, you can still get your dream job because jobs in Canada are concentrated in multiple geographic areas.
They are uniformly distributed across all major cities in Canada, which is ideal for individuals whose primary motivation for relocating is to have a better life.
