[MC – May 28, 2020] Your number one job right now is to make sure you and your family are safe. However, if you are available to work, there are many ways to contribute to Canada’s response to COVID-19.
In a notice on Wednesday, the Prime Minister encouraged Canadians to check out his recommendations for available jobs in Canada. According to Trudeau, there are more than 44,000 available, and there are opportunities in several sectors.
Not every part of the economy was affected equally by the COVID-19 induced impact on the jobs market, and not every sector is rebounding in the same way either. According to Statistics Canada, job losses were largely concentrated in major industries where working from home is impossible, including retail, restaurants, hotels, construction and manufacturing.
According to Statistics Canada, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a number of impacts on the labour market situation of postsecondary students, with one being the cancellation of work placements such as co-op work terms, internships, practicums and residencies. A recent crowdsourcing data collection completed by over 100,000 postsecondary students from April 19 to May 1, 2020, provides insight on how their work placements were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a tweet shared on May 26, Justin Trudeau explained, “If you’re looking for work right now, there are thousands of jobs available in our agri-food sector and more than 44,000 openings in essential services.”
He further added, “To see how you can contribute to Canada’s response to COVID-19, check out the Job Bank …” and shared the link to the government’s job-hunting website.
While there have been layoffs and works closures across the country, the labour market is not closed – it’s adjusting to the realities of COVID-19. Employers are still looking for workers, with many in key sectors that are continuing to provide services to Canadians.
| The labour market is not closed – it’s adjusting to the realities of COVID-19. Employers are still looking for workers, with many in key sectors that are continuing to provide services to Canadians. Health |
| Agriculture |
| Manufacturing and production |
| Transportation and logistics |
| Retail and wholesale |
| Food services |
| Vulnerable population services |
| Public safety and law enforcement |
| Construction, maintenance and repair |
| Working from home is the new default option for businesses providing non-essential services. Employers are encouraged to support flexible workplace policies that foster social distancing and remote work. Administration |
| Accounting |
| Information Technology (IT) |
| Communications |
| Banking and finance |
| Consider working in a different field as the labour market is shifting temporarily. You can too. Whether from home or in Canada’s top priority sectors, you can put your skills to use so that essential services continue to be delivered to people living in your community and across the country. General farm workers |
| Retail salespersons |
| Food service supervisors |
| Transport truck drivers |
| Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers |
| Retail and wholesale trade managers |
| Retail sales supervisors |
| Administrative assistants |
| Customer and information services representatives |
| Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates |
| If you are able to help others in your community, consider volunteering with a local organization. It can be a great way to connect with others, be part of something bigger, and keep up your skills. Virtual volunteering is another option. Food Banks Canada |
| Canadian Red Cross |
| United Way Canada |
| Volunteer Canada |
| Charity Village |
Government resources
All levels of Government are working to provide the resources, information and supports needed to get us through this difficult time. Find official federal, provincial, territorial and municipal COVID-19 resource pages. Visit the official pages here for further guidance.
We wish you the best of health, safety, and happy job hunting.
Featured Photo by Miltiadis Fragkidis
