Research summary: Skills supply and demand in Canada’s economic regions
Official title: An assessment of skills supply and demand in Canada’s economic regions
Authors of the report: Sharif Mohammad and Melissa McClung
Alternate formats
Skills supply and demand in Canada’s economic regions [PDF - 277 KB]
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Why this study
The study analyzed the supply and demand for skills in regions across Canada. It used a framework from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. It supports the Government of Canada's goal of promoting inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
What we did
Using data from the 2016 and 2021 censuses, we categorized economic regions based on their labor markets type:
- high skills equilibrium (high supply and demand for skills)
- low skills equilibrium (low supply and demand for skills)
- skills shortage (low supply and high demand for skills)
- skills surplus (high supply and low demand for skills)
We also tracked changes in skill supply and demand over 5 years and provided profiles for certain regions.
What we found
Most Canadian regions saw slight improvements in skill supply and demand between 2016 and 2021.
Urban areas, which are more economically diverse and offer better job opportunities, showed the most significant improvements.
- In contrast, rural regions often rely on single industry and have fewer education options.
By 2021, regions with a high proportion of post-secondary educated individuals had a strong supply of skills.
- In contrast, regions with high demand for skills were mostly found in larger urban centers.
What it means
The study suggests different actions:
- encouraging better workplace practices and technology adoption in regions with low skill supply
- focusing on practical learning and better coordination between educational institutions and employers to attract talent and investment
- easing barriers for workers moving between provinces and recognizing foreign qualifications to better distribute skills across Canada
Contact us
For access to the full report, please contact us using the email address below.
Skills and Employment Branch, Labour Market Information Directorate, Policy Research Analysis and Geomatics Division
Email: esdc.nc.sspb.research-recherche.dgpss.cn.edsc@esdc-edsc.gc.ca