In the 3rd quarter of 2017, the private sector had 361,700 vacant positions, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), a record number.
2.8%: this is the vacancy rate, the proportion of vacant positions compared to all jobs available in the private sector across the country. The provinces most affected are British Columbia (3.4%, 60,000 vacant positions), Quebec (3.1%, 85,000) and Ontario (3%, 149,600). The least affected are Nova Scotia (2.1%, 6,100 vacant positions), Newfoundland and Labrador (1.9%, 2,800) and Prince Edward Island (1.9%, 900). As for which industries are affected, the retail, accomodation/restaurant and construction industries are suffering the most, with 50,000, 45,900 and 38,000 positions to fill, respectively.
Among the consequences of this shortage of manpower, the CFIB notes that it is an obstacle for businesses, especially SMEs, by limiting their ability to accept new contracts and to innovate. Wages are also increasing, since employers are forced to make efforts to attract candidates. Thus, in companies with vacancies, salaries are expected to rise 1% more than in those without vacancies.
Among the solutions envisaged, Quebec plans to release significant amounts in its 2018-2019 budget to attract foreign workers and better integrate immigrants into the labour market.