CANADA – PART ONE

(SOURCE: Romeo Young, former labor attaché for Canada; Currently Acting Executive Director, National Conciliation and Mediation Board, The Department of Labor and Employment)

I. ECONOMIC OVERVIEW OF CANADA

  • Economy closely tied-up with that of the U.S. Most of its exports and import activities are still with the U.S.
  • 2.5% GDP increase during January-March of this year despite economic slowdown in U.S. mainly due to strong gains in consumer and government spending (Source: Statistics Canada)
  • Economists’ optimistic view that economy can cope well with the U. S. slowdown --- in terms of GDP growth, Canada will beat every G7 member (except U.S.) this year.

Labor Market Situation
---Unemployment rate at an all-time low (around 7.1 %)
--Ontario, which leads all other provinces in terms of industrial growth and employment generation, has even lower rate, i.e.,5% to 5.8%
--Shortage in skilled workers in the manufacturing, construction, health, financial services sectors due to an aging population, low birth rate, as well as a conducive social environment

Job Prospects

Short Term (2001-2002)
  • 30,000 to 50,000 IT workers (Software Human Resources Council)
  • 4,000 caregivers per year
  • 1,000 nurses (primarily in British Columbia)


Long Term (up to Year 2011)

  • 59,000 to a high of 113,000 RN’s (according to a report of the Canadian Nurses Association)