290,000 jobs went unfilled in Canada in Q2

While labour market pressures eased somewhat in the second quarter, 290,000 full- and part-time private sector jobs still went unfilled, according to the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB).

Read: Canada’s top 20 jobs

“While the overall vacancy rate dropped to 2.4% (from 2.5%), the problem continues to be most acute for smaller businesses,” says Ted Mallett, CFIB’s chief economist and vice president. “In fact, those with fewer than four employees saw an increase in their vacancy rate (4.5%), while larger businesses all saw decreases.”

Saskatchewan continues to have the highest provincial vacancy rate, and climbing at 4.1%. Alberta’s rate dipped to 3.4%. At 3%, Newfoundland and Labrador’s is also above the national average.

Read: Educated youth struggle to find good jobs: CIBC

Quebec (2.4%), Manitoba (2.5%) and British Columbia (2.4%) landed right around the average.

Meanwhile, Ontario (2.1%), New Brunswick (2%), Nova Scotia (2%) and Prince Edward Island (1.8) had lower-than-average vacancy rates.

By sector, personal services and construction had the country’s highest vacancy rates at 3.9% and 3.5% respectively. Health and education services and hospitality saw increases.

Read: A look at the hidden job market “If you can’t find people with the right skills, sometimes you find people and work on the skills,” says CFIB president Dan Kelly. “Programs like the Canada Jobs Grant have significant potential to help on the training front if they reflect the realities of running a small business.”

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.