Canadian Employers Boost Hiring Plans Despite Persistent Worker Shortages
A survey released July 8, 2026, shows Canadian hiring managers are increasingly optimistic about the rest of 2026, but nearly one-third report they cannot fill open positions. Employers are planning to expand headcount, yet skill gaps remain a major barrier.
Canada's employers are heading into the second half of 2026 with renewed confidence, but their hiring enthusiasm is tempered by a stubborn mismatch between jobs available and workers qualified to fill them. According to an Express Employment Professionals–Harris Poll survey released July 8, three-quarters of Canadian hiring managers (74%) feel positive about their company's hiring outlook for the remainder of 2026—a significant jump from 67% in fall 2025.
Optimism Meets Reality
That positivity is translating into concrete plans: 43% of Canadian companies are planning to increase the number of employees, matching the hiring appetite from fall 2025. However, beneath this headline sits a troubling detail: 32% of hiring managers say their company currently has open positions they cannot fill, up from 29% in fall 2025. In other words, employers want to hire more, but finding the right candidates is becoming harder.
Key drivers of the bottleneck:
- Candidate shortages across multiple sectors
- Changing technology and tools employers need
- Uncertainty in workforce planning due to external economic and policy pressures
For newcomers and international workers, this is both a signal and a caution. Job opportunities are expanding, and employers are actively recruiting—a positive indicator for those seeking work. However, the spike in unfilled positions suggests that employers are looking for specific skills, credentials, and experience. Generic applications and entry-level candidates from abroad face stiffer competition. International workers with in-demand skills—particularly in healthcare, skilled trades, IT, and specialized professions—are more likely to attract employer attention and LMIA support. If you're planning to immigrate for work, focus on sectors with documented shortages and build your credentials before applying.
Sources
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