Maple News reports that Canada added a substantial 303,000 jobs in March 2021, marking a significant step toward economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. This surge brings employment levels within 1.5% of what they were in February 2020, just before the pandemic began to affect the labor market. Despite this progress, the national unemployment rate remains about 32% higher than it was pre-pandemic, underlining the continued volatility in the job market.
The data, gathered by Statistics Canada during the week of March 14–20, reflects a period when public health restrictions were starting to ease in several provinces. Ontario, for instance, had lifted stay-at-home orders, though some sectors such as personal care, fitness, and in-person dining remained restricted in areas like Toronto. Nevertheless, the loosening of health measures contributed to increased hiring across the country.
Employment grew across Canada, with the most significant gains seen in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec. Sectors previously hit hard by the pandemic—such as retail trade and accommodation and food services—saw notable recoveries. In fact, retail, which employs more than 450,000 immigrants, rebounded fully from the losses incurred in January. Additionally, the information, culture, and recreation sector experienced its first meaningful employment increase since September.
Industries with high immigrant representation also contributed notably to the overall job growth. The accommodation and food services sector, which employs about 346,000 immigrants, added 21,000 positions. Construction, employing over 238,000 immigrants, posted the largest gains among goods-producing sectors. Immigrant-heavy fields like health care (523,000 immigrant workers) and education (264,000) also saw meaningful employment growth.
One key indicator remained stable—the employment rate for newcomers who have been in Canada for less than five years. Despite the overall drop in immigration levels due to strict travel restrictions, this group maintained a 65% employment rate in the three months ending in March, similar to pre-pandemic levels.
However, analysts caution that these gains may be short-lived. With Canada entering the midst of a third wave of COVID-19 infections in April, various provinces—especially Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, and B.C.—have reintroduced stricter health measures, including the closure of non-essential businesses. These developments are expected to impact job numbers next month, with updated data set to be released in early May.
As immigration and employment remain closely tied, particularly in key industries, these labor trends will be vital for policymakers and newcomers alike. Maple News will continue to monitor how these economic shifts impact Canada’s immigration landscape and workforce outlook.