Labour Force
Size of Labour Force
Toronto's economy depends upon the quality, ingenuity and commitment of its workers. Luckily, Toronto's 3.2 million-strong regional labour force is not only the largest in Canada, but also one of the most diverse, both culturally and in terms of marketable skills. For employers, Toronto is the world's lowest risk city for recruting, employing and relocating employees, according to Aon's People Risk Index, 2010.
Labour Force Data Toronto CMA, Ontario and Canada 2009
| |
Toronto CMA |
ONTARIO |
CANADA |
| Source: Toronto Labour Force Overview 2009, City of Toronto; Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey; City of Toronto Population and Employment Projections |
| Population 15 years + |
4,657,310 |
10,659,650 |
27,309,160 |
| Labor Force |
3,191,860 |
7,175,130 |
18,368,700 |
| Employment |
2,890,520 |
6,526,090 |
16,848,880 |
| Unemployment |
301,340 |
649,040 |
1,519,810 |
| Unemployment Rate |
9.44% |
9.05% |
8.27% |
For more information on Toronto's regional labour market, see the "
Toronto Region Labour Market Monitor: Service Canada June 2010".
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Age of Labour Force
Nearly one-third of Toronto's labour force is between the ages of 25 and 44, representing a large, well-educated pool of workers at the height of their productivity.
See table below for Toronto regional age pyramid.
Age Distribution of the Toronto CMA & Canada
/World-Class-Talent/Talent/Workforce-Composition/Age-Distribution-of-the-Toronto-CMA---Canada.aspx
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Strengthening the Labour Pool through Immigration
To complete its labour needs, Toronto also welcomes a large number of new immigrants who come to Canada each year. The OECD Territorial Reviews cites Canada's federal immigration policies as a key contributor to Toronto's success in attracting highly skilled immigrants.
Recent changes to Canada's immigration policies include:
- Canadian Experience Class
Allows temporary workers and foreign students who have graduated from Canadian universities and who have relevant Canadian work experience to apply for permanent resident status.
- Off-Campus Work Permit Program
Allows foreign students to work up to 20 hours per week during academic sessions and full-time during breaks.
- Post-Graduation Work Permit Program
Allows international students to work for up to three years after graduation in any occupation, without a previous job offer.
Businesses can learn more about bringing existing personnel into Canada by visiting http://www.investinontario.com/bi/default.asp
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Major Occupational Groupings
Toronto's regional occupation profile is vibrant and diverse. The Sales and Service and Business Finance Administration occupational groupings account for a total of 43% of the region's workforce, while various smaller occupational groupings round out the City's talent pool.
Between 2009 and 2014, many of these occupational sectors are expected to grow into the double digits. The fastest growing is expected to be the Sciences sector, which includes engineering and other technical occupations.
Click here to view the City of Toronto's 58 occupational profiles.
Labour Force by Occupation, 2009
/World-Class-Talent/Talent/Workforce-Composition/Labour-Force-by-Occupation,-2009.aspx
Employment by Sector, Projections (2009-2014)
| Labour Force by Occupation |
2009 |
% of Total |
% Change (2004-2009) |
2014 |
% Change (2009-2014) |
| Sales and Service |
696,659 |
22.00% |
11.20% |
765,438 |
9.90% |
| Business Finance Administration |
669,789 |
21.10% |
13.20% |
746,243 |
11.40% |
| Trades, Transport, Operators |
374,080 |
11.80% |
11.60% |
412,711 |
10.30% |
| Management |
362,484 |
11.40% |
14.70% |
408,098 |
12.60% |
| Social Science, Educ, Gov't, Religion |
255,619 |
8.10% |
12.30% |
281,976 |
10.30% |
| Sciences |
252,281 |
7.90% |
15.80% |
286,405 |
13.50% |
| Unique to Manufacture and Utilities |
217,575 |
6.90% |
12.80% |
242,609 |
11.50% |
| Health |
135,443 |
4.30% |
13.60% |
150,760 |
11.30% |
| Art, Culture, Recreation, Sport |
118,576 |
3.70% |
10.40% |
128,547 |
8.40% |
| Occupation Not Applicable |
62,528 |
2.00% |
10.60% |
68,333 |
9.30% |
| Unique to Primary Industries |
28,803 |
0.90% |
10.70% |
31,842 |
10.60% |
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Additional Resources
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC)
The mission of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC) is to build a stronger and more competitive Canada by helping Canadians lead productive and rewarding lives.
Ontario Ministry of Labour Ontario Ministry of Labour
The ministry's mission is to advance safe, fair and harmonious workplace practices that are essential to the social and economic well-being of the people of Ontario.
Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC)
Citizenship and Immigration Canada selects skilled workers from around the world based on their education, work experience, knowledge of English and/or French and other criteria.
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Highlights of the 2010 People Risk Index Ratings
Study looks at the risks related to recruitment, employment and retirement. Aon survied 90 cities worldwide based on population size, population growth, the level of foreign investment and geographic spread.
Year: 2010
Categories:
Talent
Knowledge-based clusters of US and Canadian metropolitan areas
Whitepaper sites new academic research showing that the types of skills that are important to job and economic performance in urban regions.
Year: 2010
Categories:
Talent
Toronto as a Global City: Scorecard on Prosperity
Economic and labour attractiveness indicators measure the economic performance of the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA), relative to 23 other metropolitan regions from around the world.
Year: 2010
Categories:
Business Environment, Talent
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