Employment recovering in Canada

Shelby Thevenot
Published: August 4, 2020

Newly-released data on payroll, and earning hours from May show how easing coronavirus-related restrictions is affecting employment in Canada.

Average weekly earnings increased in May, according to the Survey of Employment, Payroll and Hours. This Statistics Canada survey provides monthly information on payroll employment, earnings and hours worked in Canada. Though it predates the pandemic, it is currently monitoring the impact of coronavirus on Canadian employment along with the Labour Force Survey.

Though the total number of employees on payroll declined 1.8%, the average weekly earnings rose 2% to $1,139 in May. Average weekly earnings are calculated by dividing total weekly earnings by the number of employees.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

This gain was matched by a 2% decline in total hours worked in May compared to April. Between February and May there was a 16.9% loss in total hours worked. At the same time, average weekly hours increased slightly, bringing the average hours worked per week to just over 34.

Construction rebounds following Quebec's early ease of restrictions

Construction increased in payroll employment in my by 3.5% up to 28,400 in May. It was the only sector to see such gains, mainly as a result of more specialty trade contractors.

All gains in construction were seen in Quebec, where residential construction was allowed to restart in mid-April.

Employment in construction at the national level was still down about 20% compared to February.

Average weekly earnings were up 2.6% to $1,315 in the construction sector compared to May 2019.

Job losses slowed in retail

Retail sales rose by 18.7% in May, though they are still 20% below the February level. The increase was partially seen in payroll employment.

Month over month employment losses slowed. In April the retail sector saw a loss of nearly 279,000 compared to May where about 41,800 people lost their jobs. The total hours worked in the retail trade in May rose 2.6% compared to the month before.

Certain retail industries saw payroll employment increases in May. Motor vehicle and parts dealers, and building material and garden equipment supply dealers saw about a 4% increase.

Average weekly earnings in the retail trade sector were $676 in May, up 10.5% compared with the same time last year.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

Hard-hit sectors

Accommodation and food services were the hardest hit in May. With a 16.9% loss, reflecting 116,500 jobs, it saw the largest payroll employment decline. The sector has continued on a downward trend since February, with nearly 770,400 job losses since February, the largest variation over this period compared to all other sectors. Average weekly earnings in food services and drinking places were $447.75 in May, the lowest among all subsectors, but up 16.5% compared with May 2019.

Declines in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction of 5.6%, and manufacturing of half a percentage point mostly offset the increase in construction, Statistics Canada said. Payroll employment in support activities for mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction declined 27.5% since February. The average weekly earnings in this industry were $1,832 down 1.8% compared with May 2019. Manufacturing saw declines in all industries, and the number of payroll employees declined 16% since February reflecting about 250,000 lost jobs.

In May, employment in the goods-producing sector was 16.7% below its February level, though the number of jobs edged up by 0.3%, or 7,300 jobs.

The arts, entertainment and recreation sector continues to see job losses. The sharp 557.7% decline from February to May was largely because of losses in the amusement, gambling and recreation industries. The performing arts, spectator sports and related industries also saw massive declines. The losses of lower-paid workers brough the average weekly earnings up 27.3% from a year earlier to $798.

Employment recovery in June

The Labour Force Survey released in early July said that initial recovery in Canadian employment was sharper than previous economic downturns. The coronavirus lockdown caused employment to fall 15.7% in just two months. The 2008-2009 recession, by contrast, dropped 2.5% in nine months.

The easing of coronavirus restrictions in May and June brought the initial recovery of employment to 9.2% of February’s levels. In previous economic deflations, recovery to pre-downturn employment has taken from two to five years.

The labour force survey suggested that Canada's labour market recovery was well underway in all provinces and most sectors in June.

Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey for July is expected to be available next week. The employment and payroll hours survey for June is set to be released August 27, and will provide more insights on how COVID-19 has affected Canadian employment, earnings, and hours.

Find out if you are eligible for any Canadian immigration programs

© 2020 CIC News All Rights Reserved

Share this article
Share your voice
Did you find this article helpful?
Thank you for your feedback.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Did you find this article helpful?
Please provide a response
Thank you for your helpful feedback
Please contact us if you would like to share additional feedback, have a question, or would like Canadian immigration assistance.
  • Do you need Canadian immigration assistance? Contact the Contact Cohen Immigration Law firm by completing our form
  • Send us your feedback or your non-legal assistance questions by emailing us at media@canadavisa.com
Related articles
Where do most South Asians live in Canada?
A South Asian family in their living room
Study: Fewer recent immigrants are seeking Canadian citizenship
Young family with children having fun in nature on a picnic
IRCC’s action plan to address the permanent residence application backlog
CIC News has obtained IRCC's timeline to address recommendations from a recent OAG report on the backlog of PR applications.
Why fewer French speakers in Canada may help your immigration chances
A woman stands in front of a whiteboard with French verbs written on them.
Top Stories
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
Ontario announces distribution of allocation for international study permits in 2024
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Join our free newsletter. Get Canada's top immigration stories delivered to your inbox.
Subscribe
More in Canada
Can I travel outside of Canada as a temporary resident?
male traveler taking selfie portrait on the hill with mount assiniboine in national park at BC, Canada
Canada to introduce a Renters Bill of Rights
Clearing up three common misconceptions about immigrating to Canada
Debunking common myths about immigrating to Canada.
IRCC issues ITAs to Express Entry candidates in second draw this week
IRCC has held another round of invitations for Express Entry candidates
Link copied to clipboard