Introduction

Since 1994, Canada has shown a strong economic performance characterized by growth, low inflation, stable unit labour costs, improved cost competitiveness, record exports, and a healthy level of business investment.

Among the G-7 countries-the most developed economies in the world-Canada ranks highly in per capita purchasing power. The country's level of exports has never been higher. This is due to improvements in cost competitiveness and strong productivity growth. As well, Canada continues to maintain one of the lowest inflation rates in the world.

For Canada, 1999 marked the eighth consecutive year of economic growth in what is emerging as one of the longest and most stable expansions of the post-war era. The Canadian dollar continued to rebound with regards to the US dollar and the free flow of trade and investment back and forth across Canada's borders is contributing to a remarkable level of job creation. Job growth in 1999 hit 3.0 percent, the highest rate since 1988. By December, the unemployment rate had fallen to 6.8 percent, the lowest level since April 1976.

Under these conditions, Canada is on a steady course as she goes onto new horizons of prosperity. Labour Market Trends

• The Canadian workforce has experienced contributed growth in job creation and productivity. In June 2004, an estimated 25,000 positions were created in the third consecutive monthly increase. Despite a pause during the first quarter of the year, the increase in June brings job gains since August 2003, to 316,000 new jobs.
• In June 2004, the unemployment rate fell to just 7.3 per cent, representing a 10 per cent dramatic drop from the previous decade?s unemployment level.
• In recent years, 40 % of Canada?s work force was composed of persons occupying management, health and sales and service occupations. Recent immigrants tend to be employed more than the Canadian-born in sales and services and in processing occupations, and in the manufacturing and hospitality and other services sectors.
• In 2001, CIC found that recent immigrants are more likely than Canadian-born persons to be of prime working age. Almost one-half of recent immigrants (48%) are 25 to 44 years of age, versus Canada?s Canadian-born population; those at ages from 25 to 44 make up one third (32%).

Working Conditions

Employment and working conditions are strictly regulated in Canada through federal and provincial laws. These laws set minimum wage levels, health and safety standards, and hours of work. Federal and provincial laws also provide for material leave, annual paid vacation and protection of children who are working. Various policies are in place to enforce worker benefits, provide extended maternity and parental leave provisions as well as for the care of dying relatives.

Looking for Work

The Canadian labour market is very competitive and it is important to note that approval to migrate does not guarantee employment, even if you are highly skilled. It may take some time to find a suitable job. The job market fluctuates depending on prevailing economic factors, the type of work you are seeking and other specific circumstances which may affect different industries or parts of the country.