In December 2023, Canada’s labor market saw notable shifts in employment patterns, earnings, and job vacancies, reflecting both short-term fluctuations and broader trends within key sectors. According to the latest data from the Survey of Employment, Payrolls, and Hours (SEPH), the average weekly earnings in Canada stood at $1,211.79, marking a 3.8% increase compared to the previous year. This uptick indicates positive momentum in terms of income growth, which is essential for sustaining consumer spending and overall economic vitality.
One of the primary indicators of economic health, payroll employment, experienced a modest increase of 31,600 individuals in December 2023, representing a 0.2% rise. However, on a year-over-year basis, the growth was more substantial, with a 1.3% increase equating to 223,500 more individuals employed compared to December of the previous year.
Examining employment trends across sectors provides insights into the drivers behind overall employment fluctuations. In December, elementary and secondary schools witnessed a significant surge in employment, with a notable increase of 56,800 individuals, marking a 7.2% rise. This surge was attributed to the resolution of the Quebec public sector strike, which had previously impacted employment figures negatively.
While educational services spearheaded the employment gains, other sectors also contributed to the overall positive momentum. Health care and social assistance, for instance, experienced a 0.4% increase in employment, reflecting a consistent upward trend observed since September 2022. Notably, this sector has seen a cumulative gain of 131,000 jobs over the past 16 months, underlining its significance in Canada’s labor market dynamics.
However, it’s crucial to note that not all sectors experienced growth. Retail trade, manufacturing, accommodation and food services, and information and cultural industries witnessed declines in employment, signaling challenges within these segments that warrant further investigation.
While payroll employment saw incremental changes, job vacancies remained relatively stable, with 637,400 openings recorded in December. Despite this stability, job vacancies were significantly lower compared to the previous year, down by 24.7% compared to December 2022. This decline underscores potential challenges in matching labor supply with demand, which could have implications for workforce productivity and economic growth.
While overall employment saw modest growth and average earnings experienced an uptick, challenges persist in certain segments, as evidenced by declining job vacancies and sector-specific employment declines. Understanding these nuances is crucial for policymakers, businesses, and individuals navigating Canada’s evolving labor landscape, enabling informed decision-making and targeted interventions to foster sustainable economic growth and employment opportunities.