Occupational Outlook: The impacts of COVID-19 in Quebec

Occupational Outlook: The impacts of COVID-19 in Quebec

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Introduction

Since March 2020, the shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly shaken the Quebec labour market. To date, however, the effects of this health crisis have varied considerably from one occupation to another. While some occupations were relatively unaffected, others experienced significant declines or increases in their employment levels.

This report focuses on the occupations most affected by the pandemic, either negatively or positively. These occupations were selected using unadjusted monthly data from Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey, by calculating the difference between the employment averages for the periods from March to October 2020 and March to October 2019.

The first part of the report presents the 15 occupations most negatively affected by the pandemic, while the 15 occupations most positively affected are found in the second part.

Select a NOC

1. Negatively affected occupations

This part describes the impacts of the pandemic and the expected medium-term trends for the 15 occupations that have recorded the highest job losses since the start of the crisis. Table 1 in the appendix presents the employment data for these occupations.

Food and beverage servers (6513)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • More than 80% of employment is concentrated in food services and drinking places
    • In Quebec, this sector suffered the worst job losses related to health and confinement measures, including the closure of bars and restaurant dining rooms in the spring and fall of 2020
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 29,700 jobs (- 58.8%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Due to the uncertainty related to the duration of confinement measures in this sector, the outlook of this occupation depends first on the lifting of these measures
    • However, when the bars and restaurant dining rooms reopen, health measures could limit the occupancy rate of establishments in the absence of reliable vaccines widely available
    • Traditionally faced with a very competitive business environment, restaurants profit margins are low. Thus, the financial difficulties encountered during the pandemic could lead to the closure of several establishments, which would reduce the demand for this occupation

Cooks (6322)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Two-thirds of employment is concentrated in food services and drinking places
    • In Quebec, this sector suffered the worst job losses related to health and confinement measures, including the closure of bars and restaurant dining rooms in the spring and fall of 2020
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 23,200 jobs (- 35.7%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Due to the uncertainty related to the duration of confinement measures in this sector, the outlook for this occupation depends first on the lifting of these measures
    • However, when the bars and restaurant dining rooms reopen, health measures could limit the occupancy rate of establishments in the absence of reliable vaccines widely available
    • Traditionally faced with a very competitive business environment, restaurants profit margins are low. Thus, the financial difficulties encountered during the pandemic could lead to the closure of several establishments, which would reduce the demand for this occupation

Retail salespersons (6421)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is concentrated in retail trade
    • In Quebec, this sector ranks second in job losses related to health and confinement measures, including the closure of shopping centers and businesses deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 21,800 jobs (- 16.6%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Since the lifting of confinement measures, businesses remain subject to health measures that limit the number of consumers in their establishments
    • In addition, the pandemic has accelerated the use of electronic commerce, a structural factor that was already affecting the evolution of retail trade
    • The persistence of teleworking could also modify consumer preferences and favour some businesses to the detriment of others
    • Finally, the financial difficulties encountered during the pandemic could lead to the closure of several businesses and reduce demand for this occupation

Administrative assistants (1241)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • As this occupation is found in all sectors of activity, its level of employment depends on the overall performance of the economy
    • In addition to the economic slowdown caused by health and confinement measures, part of the job losses in this predominantly female occupation can also be explained by the need to take care of relatives at risk of infection or in isolation, or of children when schools and non-essential childcare are closed
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 19,900 jobs (- 24.1%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The resumption of employment in this occupation depends on the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity
    • In a post-pandemic context, demand for this occupation should remain relatively stable

Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness (5254)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is mainly found in other amusement and recreation services, educational services and local, municipal and regional public administration
    • With the closure of recreational sports and fitness centers, other amusement and recreation services are among the sectors hardest hit by health measures that limit gatherings
    • This profession has also suffered from the end of extracurricular activities in schools and the closure of summer camps
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 11,900 jobs (- 34.5%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Due to the uncertainty related to the duration of confinement measures in recreational sports and fitness centers, the outlook for this occupation depends first on the lifting of these measures
    • In a post-pandemic context, demand for this occupation should remain relatively stable

Light duty cleaners (6731)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is mostly found in services to buildings and housing, and accommodation services
    • In Quebec, these services are among the sectors that recorded the worst job losses related to health and confinement measures
    • Indeed, the closure of business sectors deemed non-essential in spring 2020 greatly reduced the need for janitorial services
    • In addition, the closure of borders and the ban on non-essential travel have also had a devastating effect in the hotel industry
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 11,800 jobs (- 16.5%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Due to the uncertainty related to the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity, the outlook for this occupation depends first on the lifting of measures that lead to job losses
    • In accommodation services, the outlook will remain limited in the absence of reliable vaccines widely available. Indeed, this sector will not be able to regain its pre-pandemic level of activity without the support of business and leisure tourism, both nationally and internationally
    • In a post-pandemic context, the continuation of teleworking among employees of office towers in city centers could reduce the demand for janitorial services

Early childhood educators and assistants (4214)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • More than 80% of employment is concentrated in child day-care services
    • In Quebec, this sector is one of the most affected by health and confinement, including the closure of childcare services deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • In addition, part of the job losses in this predominantly female occupation can also be explained by the need to take care of relatives at risk of infection or in isolation, or of children when schools and non-essential childcare are closed
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 11,200 jobs (- 12.3%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The resumption of employment in this occupation depends on the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity
    • In a post-pandemic context, the addition of childcare places announced by the provincial government will stimulate demand for this profession

Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates (3413)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is concentrated in nursing and residential care facilities, and hospitals
    • Despite an increase in demand in this occupation since the start of the pandemic, the workforce has decreased due to the withdrawal of staff who are infected or at risk of infection
    • In addition, part of the job losses in this predominantly female occupation can also be explained by the need to take care of relatives at risk of infection or in isolation, or of children when schools and non-essential childcare are closed
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 11,100 jobs (- 14.0%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the needs for services related to demographic growth and the aging of the population will stimulate demand for this occupation
    • According to the provincial government, health spending will continue to grow, even in a situation of budget deficit or high public debt

Retail and wholesale trade managers (0621)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • More than 80% of employment is concentrated in retail trade
    • In Quebec, this sector ranks second in job losses related to health and confinement measures, including the closure of shopping centers and businesses deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 10,900 jobs (- 14.7%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Since the lifting of confinement measures, businesses remain subject to health measures that limit the number of consumers in their establishments
    • In addition, the pandemic has accelerated the use of electronic commerce, a structural factor that was already affecting the evolution of retail trade
    • The persistence of teleworking could also modify consumer preferences and favour some businesses to the detriment of others
    • Finally, the financial difficulties encountered during the pandemic could lead to the closure of several businesses and reduce demand for this occupation

Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers (7321)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is concentrated in automotive repair and maintenance, automobile dealers, general freight trucking and urban transit systems
    • Without being directly affected by confinement measures, these sectors suffered from a slowdown in their activities due to health measures
    • In fact, auto dealers kept a minimum of staff to meet basic needs and access to vehicle repair and maintenance services was limited
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 10,000 jobs (- 26.6%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The resumption of employment in this occupation depends on the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity
    • However, the persistence of teleworking, a possible slowdown in trade and the postponement of expansion projects in public transport could reduce the demand for this occupation

Material handlers (7452)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Over 80% of employment is concentrated in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and warehousing, sectors linked together by supply chains
    • These sectors have been severely affected by health and confinement measures, including the shutdown of activity sectors deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • These problems related to the pandemic were amplified by strikes in rail transportation and at the Port of Montreal
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 9,900 jobs (- 16.7%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The resumption of employment in this occupation depends on the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity
    • In a post-pandemic context, the closure of businesses weakened by the crisis and a possible slowdown in trade could reduce demand for this occupation

Restaurant and food service managers (0631)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Almost all employment is concentrated in food services and drinking places
    • In Quebec, this sector suffered the worst job losses related to health and confinement measures, including the closure of bars and restaurant dining rooms in the spring and fall of 2020
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 9,500 jobs (- 35.1%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Due to the uncertainty related to the duration of confinement measures in this sector, the outlook for this occupation depends first on the lifting of these measures
    • However, when the bars and restaurant dining rooms reopen, health measures could limit the occupancy rate of establishments in the absence of reliable vaccines widely available
    • Traditionally faced with a very competitive business environment, restaurant profit margins are low. Thus, the financial difficulties encountered during the pandemic could lead to the closure of several establishments, which would reduce the demand for this occupation

Transport truck drivers (7511)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • More than 60% of employment is concentrated in transportation and warehousing
    • In Quebec, this sector remains one of the most affected by health and confinement measures, including the shutdown of activity sectors deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • These problems related to the pandemic were amplified by strikes in rail transportation and at the Port of Montreal
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 9,300 jobs (- 11.4%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The resumption of employment in this occupation depends on the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity
    • In a post-pandemic context, the closure of businesses weakened by the crisis and a possible slowdown in trade could reduce demand for this occupation

Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors (9521)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Almost all employment is concentrated in aerospace product and parts manufacturing
    • This manufacturing sector has been hit hard by health and confinement measures, including the closure of borders and the ban on non-essential air transportation which reduce the need for parts and new aircrafts
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 8,900 jobs (- 79.6%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Due to the uncertainty related to the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity, the outlook for this occupation depends first of all on the resumption of air transportation and the order books of aircraft manufacturers
    • However, several major airlines have already announced the postponement or cancellation of aircraft orders in the months and years to come due to a significant liquidity crisis
    • In a post-pandemic context, a slowdown in leisure tourism could persist for health concerns
    • In addition, teleworking habits acquired during the pandemic could also have a negative impact on business travel

Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical) (6411)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is mostly found in wholesale trade and manufacturing
    • Wholesale trade depends on retail trade which has been severely affected by health and confinement measures, including the closure of shopping centers and businesses deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • Manufacturing also suffered from the shutdown of activity sectors deemed non-essential in spring 2020
    • In fact, many wholesalers have had to reduce or cease their operations due to the economic slowdown
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation fell by 8,400 jobs (- 15.9%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The resumption of employment in this occupation depends on the duration of the pandemic and its effects on economic activity
    • In a post-pandemic context, the closure of businesses weakened by the crisis and a possible slowdown in trade could reduce demand for this occupation

2. Positively affected occupations

This part describes the impacts of the pandemic and the expected medium-term trends for the 15 occupations that have recorded the highest job gains since the start of the crisis. Table 2 in the appendix presents the employment data for these occupations.

Information systems analysts and consultants (2171)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • More than half of employment is concentrated in computer systems design and related services, finance and insurance, and federal government public administration
    • These sectors have not suffered from health and confinement measures, most of their activities can be carried out by telework or by respecting physical distancing measures
    • In addition, the pandemic has had a major impact on the acceleration of the digital transformation of several sectors of activity and helped to support demand for this occupation
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 16,800 jobs (+ 30.9%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Several information technology niches are expanding, including online services, cybersecurity, platform optimization, development of more intuitive applications and artificial intelligence
    • In fact, the transition of companies to this new digital era, research and development, automation and the imperatives of workforce productivity are among the factors that will stimulate demand for this occupation

Delivery and courier service drivers (7514)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is mainly found in couriers and messengers, food services and drinking places, and retail trade
    • On the one hand, since the start of the pandemic, health and confinement measures have led to an increase in delivery services offered by restaurants, food and beverage stores, and health and personal care stores
    • On the other hand, the pandemic has accelerated the use of electronic commerce in general, which is also stimulating demand for this occupation
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 13,100 jobs (+ 62.4%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the new consumption habits adopted by households during the crisis, including increased use of electronic commerce, should maintain demand for this occupation

Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers (6622)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Almost two-thirds of employment is concentrated in food and beverage stores, and health and personal care stores
    • On the one hand, since the start of the pandemic, health and confinement measures have led to an increase in order preparation services offered by food and beverage stores, and health and personal care stores
    • On the other hand, the pandemic has accelerated the use of electronic commerce in general, which is also stimulating demand for this occupation
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 9,700 jobs (+ 19.6%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the new consumption habits adopted by households during the crisis, including increased use of electronic commerce, should maintain demand for this occupation

Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations (1215)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Over 80% of employment is concentrated in manufacturing, wholesale and retail trade, transportation and warehousing, sectors linked together by supply chains
    • The pandemic has had two major effects on global supply chains. On the one hand, there has been an explosion in demand for medical supplies (e.g. personal protective equipment, masks and respirators) combined with limited availability of these products. On the other hand, several manufacturers have also suffered a disruption in the supply of components necessary for the final assembly of their products
    • Since the start of the pandemic, this occupation has therefore played a key role in the proper functioning of supply chains
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 9,400 jobs (+ 48.7%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the outlook for this occupation will depend on the strength of domestic demand and trade, increased use of electronic commerce and the dynamism of the manufacturing sector
    • In addition, in order to avoid further shortages of medical supplies, the health sector could strengthen its supply chains, which would stimulate demand for this profession

Secondary school teachers (4031)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is found exclusively in educational services
    • Since the start of the pandemic, full-time distance education during the spring 2020 school closures has required the hiring of additional resources, as has distance education in alternation with face-to-face teaching since September 2020, and virtual schools for students with medical exemptions
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 8,600 jobs (+ 27.2%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • The lack of teachers is a major issue for public education establishments
    • In addition, an increase in the number of secondary school students is expected in the coming years
    • Thus, the provincial government's additional investments in education, which include the hiring of teaching staff, will stimulate demand for this occupation

Computer programmers and interactive media developers (2174)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Over two-thirds of employment is concentrated in computer systems design and related services, finance and insurance, software publishers and federal government public administration
    • These sectors have not suffered from health and confinement measures, most of their activities can be carried out by telework or by respecting physical distancing measures
    • In addition, the pandemic has had a major impact on the acceleration of the digital transformation of several sectors of activity and helped to support demand for this occupation
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 8,500 jobs (+ 17.4%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Several information technology niches are expanding, including online services, cybersecurity, platform optimization, development of more intuitive applications and artificial intelligence
    • In fact, the transition of companies to this new digital era, research and development, automation and the imperatives of workforce productivity are among the factors that will stimulate demand for this occupation

Human resources professionals (1121)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • This occupation is found in all sectors of activity, but a significant share of employment is concentrated in public administration, management and scientific and technical consulting services, and finance and insurance
    • Since the start of the pandemic, this occupation has been involved in several emergency interventions, including the implementation of business continuity plans, the reorganization of tasks in the context of teleworking, management of shortage of work, managing stress and anxiety in the workplace, and adopting best occupational health and safety practices to safeguard the health and safety of employees and the public and to comply with health measures
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 7,300 jobs (+ 25.5%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the increased mobility of workers, the imperatives in terms of work organization and workforce productivity, change management, the empowerment and mobilization of employees in a situation of teleworking, as well as the importance given to hiring, job retention and training strategies will stimulate demand for this profession

User support technicians (2282)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is mainly found in computer systems design and related services, finance and insurance, and federal government public administration
    • These sectors have not suffered from health and confinement measures, most of their activities can be carried out by telework or by respecting physical distancing measures
    • In addition, the pandemic has had a major impact on the acceleration of the digital transformation of several sectors of activity and helped to support demand for this occupation
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 6,400 jobs (+ 52.9%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • This occupation benefits from the expansion of information technologies
    • Indeed, the proliferation of services offered online, the omnipresence of computers in the workplace, the increasing complexity of networks and the proliferation of software and applications are among the factors that will stimulate demand for this occupation

Vérificateurs et comptables (1111)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • This occupation is found in all industries, but a significant share of employment is concentrated in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services, finance and insurance, and public administration
    • Since the start of the pandemic, this occupation has been part of the business management teams that assess the financial impact of the crisis in companies, on topics such as the continuity of operating activities, the valuation of assets, debt restructuring, modification of leases and government assistance measures
    • It is also a reliable resource for individuals concerned about the impact of the pandemic on their personal finances
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 6,100 jobs (+ 18.4%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Employment in this occupation depends primarily on the demand for accounting and auditing services
    • In fact, the imperatives of regulatory oversight, fraud prevention, fundraising and tight monitoring of cash flow are among the factors that stimulate demand for this occupation
    • However, the computerization of several accounting activities which allows other occupations to perform tasks previously reserved for accountants could mitigate the scale of trends favorable to this occupation, as could the increasing use of tax filing software by taxpayers

Financial managers (0111)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • This occupation is found in all sectors of activity, but a significant share of employment is concentrated in finance and insurance, manufacturing, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services, and retail trade
    • Since the start of the pandemic, this occupation has been part of the business management teams that assess the financial impact of the crisis in companies, on topics such as the continuity of operating activities, the valuation of assets, debt restructuring, modification of leases and government assistance measures
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 5,900 jobs (+ 37.2%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Over the coming weeks and months, this occupation will be called upon to play a key role in the pursuit of business activities
    • In fact, the resumption of operations and their optimization using available technologies, adjustment of business models, liquidity management, search for financing and strategic partnerships, risk management and cybersecurity are among the factors that will promote demand for this occupation and its positioning in companies

Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades (7301)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment is mainly found in repair and maintenance, construction and manufacturing
    • Since the start of the pandemic, this occupation has contributed to the installation of air conditioners in hospitals and nursing and residential care facilities
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 5,600 jobs (+ 47.9%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Over the coming weeks and months, the provincial government's priority in installing ventilation systems in schools should support demand for this occupation, as will the need for refrigeration systems to store vaccines against COVID-19 when they become available

Post-secondary teaching and research assistants (4012)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Employment in this occupation is concentrated in universities and in community colleges and CEGEPs
    • Since the start of the pandemic, full-time distance education or alternating with face-to-face education in CEGEPs and universities has required the hiring of additional resources to support professors and students
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 5,400 jobs (+ 37.9%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • Over the next few years, government investments in post-secondary education, as well as increased public and private funding for university research, should support demand for this profession

Medical administrative assistants (1243)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • This occupation is found exclusively in health care and social assistance, more specifically in ambulatory health care services and hospitals
    • Since the start of the pandemic, the additional labour needs of these sectors have stimulated demand for this occupation
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 5,400 jobs (+ 16.7%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the increase in investments in health and social assistance required by demographic growth and the aging of the population should support demand for this occupation
    • However, administrative modernization efforts in this sector could mitigate the extent of trends favorable to this occupation

Accounting and related clerks (1431)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • This profession is found in all sectors of activity
    • Since the start of the pandemic, this occupation has supported the business management teams that assess the financial impact of the crisis in companies, on topics such as the continuity of operating activities, the valuation of assets, debt restructuring, modification of leases and government assistance measures
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 5,000 jobs (+ 18.7%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • In a post-pandemic context, the diversification of the role of administrative staff and the computerization of several accounting activities allowing these clerks to perform tasks previously reserved for professionals should maintain a relatively stable level of employment in this occupation

Pharmacists(3131)

  • Impact of the pandemic on this occupation
    • Almost all employment is concentrated in health and personal care stores and hospitals
    • Since the start of the pandemic, several patients have used this occupation to obtain consultations, medical opinions, medication adjustments or prescription extensions when they were unable to see a doctor
    • As a result, the average employment in this occupation increased by 4,900 jobs (+ 59.5%) between 2019 and 2020 for the period extending from March to October
  • Expected medium-term trend
    • As long as the pandemic lasts, its severe impact on the health care sector will continue to drive demand for this occupation
    • In a post-pandemic context, the outlook for this occupation will depend mainly on the scope of its field of practice and the volumpe of drugs prescribed

Appendix

Table 1 - Professions most negatively affected by the pandemic

National occupational classification code and occupation title

Average employment March-Oct. 2020

Average employment March-Oct. 2019

Difference (volume)

Difference (%)

6513 Food and beverage servers

20,800

50,500

- 29,700

- 58.8%

6322 Cooks

41,900

65,100

- 23,200

- 35.7%

6421 Retail salespersons

109,700

131,500

- 21,800

- 16.6%

1241 Administrative assistants

62,900

82,800

- 19,900

- 24.1%

5254 Program leaders and instructors in recreation, sport and fitness

22,600

34,500

- 11,900

- 34.5%

6731 Light duty cleaners

59,700

71,400

- 11,800

- 16.5%

4214 Early childhood educators and assistants

79,800

91,000

- 11,200

- 12.3%

3413 Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

68,300

79,400

- 11,100

- 14.0%

0621 Retail and wholesale trade managers

63,300

74,300

- 10,900

- 14.7%

7321 Automotive service technicians, truck and bus mechanics and mechanical repairers

27,500

37,500

- 10,000

- 26.6%

7452 Material handlers

49,600

59,500

- 9,900

- 16.7%

0631 Restaurant and food service managers

17,600

27,100

- 9,500

- 35.1%

7511 Transport truck drivers

72,900

82,200

- 9,300

- 11.4%

9521 Aircraft assemblers and aircraft assembly inspectors

2,300

11,100

- 8,900

- 79.6%

6411 Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)

44,200

52,600

- 8,400

- 15.9%

Note: Due to rounding, the difference may not add up to the total shown.

Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey

 

Table 2 - Occupations most positively affected by the pandemic

National occupational classification code and occupation title

Average employment March-Oct. 2020

Average employment March-Oct. 2019

Difference (volume)

Difference (%)

2171 Information systems analysts and consultants

71,100

54,300

16,800

30.9%

7514 Delivery and courier service drivers

34,100

21,000

13,100

62.4%

6622 Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers

59,500

49,700

9,700

19.6%

1215 Supervisors, supply chain, tracking and scheduling co-ordination occupations

28,500

19,200

9,400

48.7%

4031 Secondary school teachers

40,100

31,500

8,600

27.2%

2174 Computer programmers and interactive media developers

57,600

49,100

8,500

17.4%

1121 Human resources professionals

35,900

28,600

7,300

25.5%

2282 User support technicians

18,500

12,100

6,400

52.9%

1111 Financial auditors and accountants

38,900

32,900

6,100

18.4%

0111 Financial managers

21,900

15,900

5,900

37.2%

7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades

17,200

11,600

5,600

47.9%

4012 Post-secondary teaching and research assistants

19,700

14,300

5,400

37.9%

1243 Medical administrative assistants

37,500

32,200

5,400

16.7%

1431 Accounting and related clerks

31,500

26,500

5,000

18.7%

3131 Pharmacists

13,100

8,200

4,900

59.5%

Note: Due to rounding, the difference may not add up to the total shown.

Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey

 

Note: In preparing this report, the author has taken special care to base her research on labour market data and information that was accurate and relevant at the time of publication. As the labour market is constantly changing, the data used in this document may have changed since its publication. The reader is encouraged to consult other sources for additional information on the economy and the labour market. The contents of this publication do not necessarily reflect official policies of Employment and Social Development Canada.

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