March 18, 2025 - NAIT stands ready to train Alberta's future workforce - Alberta faces significant uncertainty, but our strength lies in our ability to adapt and innovate through change. The need to grow our domestic economy through strategic investments will be critical as the province navigates the years ahead. Billions of dollars of diversification projects are planned between now and 2030 that will create over 20,000 construction jobs. (Full Story)

March 5, 2025 - Relying on low minimum wages is bad business - Have you ever noticed that every time the minimum wage increases, business owners seem to come out of the woodwork to complain about it? They claim it'll force them to shut down, that it'll eat into their margins, and that they'll have no choice but to charge customers more? Business owners who depend on minimum-wage labour to function often struggle with high turnover rates. (Full Story)

February 10, 2025 - Alberta wages falling behind national trends: report - Alberta's wages are falling behind the rest of Canada, despite the province having the highest gross domestic product per worker, according to a recent report. That's because the wage system in the province is designed to benefit employers, claims the Centre for Future Work. Wage inequality went down in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000, according to a previous report from the International Labour Organization (ILO). (Full Story)

February 7, 2025 - Alberta disadvantage?: Why real wages of workers are falling as executive salaries rise - Alberta has long worn its title as the province with the highest wages as a badge of honour. As recently as 2013, Albertans earned 17 per cent more than the average Canadian. The higher salaries, which came with lower provincial income taxes, lured many to the province. The allure has had a moniker - the Alberta Advantage. That advantage is now slipping away from Albertans, according to a new report. (Full Story)

February 4, 2025 - Alberta program aims to help people with disabilities participate in workforce - Alberta's government says it's looking to help people with disabilities join and stay in the workforce without losing access to their existing benefits and governmental supports. To do this, the government plans to launch a new social assistance regime, the Alberta Disability Assistance Program, in 2026. (Full Story)

January 31, 2025 - What Alberta-based employers need to know about incoming workplace violence, harassment policy changes - Changes to Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety Code are simplifying workplace violence and harassment prevention requirements for employers, says Cristina Wendel, an Edmonton-based employment lawyer at Dentons Canada LLP. The amendments, which take effect March 31, include a requirement for employers to develop and implement a consolidated violence and harassment prevention plan. (Full Story)

January 24, 2025 - Alberta is keeping Canada's job market afloat - Alberta drove Canada's job growth in the fourth quarter-and its booming population is the key reason why. Canada recorded its largest employment bump in nearly two years in December, blowing past analyst expectations with 91,000 new jobs. It was a surprising sign of strength after months of mediocre employment growth. (Full Story)

January 2025 - Increase to claims cost threshold - The Alberta WCB annually reviews the claim cost threshold for no-time-lost claims used in experience rating. For claims occurring in 2025, the threshold increased from $1,900 to $2,000. Adjustments to your premiums are based on your claims experience to provide you with incentives to reduce your costs. For small business employers, adjustments are based on your total number of claims. For large business employers, adjustments are based on the cost of your claims. Learn more about how claims affect your premiums. (Full Story)

March 12, 2025 - Sick Days in British Columbia: What you need to know in 2025 - All employees in B.C. who are covered by the Employment Standards Act (ESA) are entitled to a minimum of 5 paid sick days and 3 unpaid sick days per year. These sick days can be used for personal illness, injury, or attending a medical appointment. In total, employees in British Columbia receive up to 8 sick days per year – 5 of these are paid sick days, and 3 are unpaid. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Could B.C. lose skilled workers to cheaper provinces if labour barriers drop? - Some labour groups in British Columbia are warning that a move to drop interprovincial barriers to job certification could end up worsening current staff shortages. Amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff threats, the country's premiers have agreed to fast-track a process to ensure professionals with credentials in one jurisdiction like nurses, paramedics and teachers can work "anywhere" in Canada. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Loss of women in part-time jobs a signal of change: B.C. labour stats - An analysis of February's Labour Force Survey numbers by Statistics Canada shows the early influence of a trade war with the U.S., says Diana Gibson, the Minister of Jobs, Economic Development and Innovation. Gibson said that while the unemployment statistic has remained stable, at six per cent, there are notable changes in B.C.'s workforce and economy from January to February. B.C. saw employment gains in healthcare, agriculture and social assistance industries, while it experienced stagnation in other industries, like manufacturing. (Full Story)

February 25, 2025 - B.C.'s top diversity employers revealed and they're hiring with great benefits - Diversity is one of Canada's biggest strengths, and many employers in B.C. are putting in extra effort to ensure their employees come from a wide spectrum of human experiences. On Tuesday, Mediacorp Canada Inc., the team behind Canada's Top 100 Employers project, announced the country's best diversity employers in 2025. Nine B.C. employers made the 18th edition of the annual list. (Full Story)

February 28, 2025 - Labour market forecast lands amid tariff threats, immigration cap - B.C.'s new 2024 Labour Market Outlook (LMO) estimates more than one million job openings in B.C. over the next decade. The LMO delivers a comprehensive forecast of job-market trends over the coming decade. Its purpose is to help current and future post-secondary students, organizations, workers and employers make informed decisions about careers, skills training, education and hiring. (Full Story)

February 28, 2025 - Occupational first aid requirements: Frequently asked questions - With the new occupational first aid requirements came into effect in November 2024, WorkSafe BC has provided answers to some commonly asked questions from employers across the province. Employers are responsible for first aid in the workplace, ensuring that injured workers can receive prompt and appropriate treatment and, if needed, be transported to medical aid without delay. To determine the first aid needs of your workplace, first you'll need to do an assessment. Then, you can review the findings and take the necessary steps to put effective first aid procedures in place. (Full Story)

February 26, 2025 - Bridging to Retirement Program update - The Bridging to Retirement Program has played a critical role in helping forestry workers and contractors transition to retirement. The program is now fully subscribed and is no longer accepting applications as of Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. In November 2021, the program was renewed with a three-year funding commitment to assist workers 55 and older who are affected by challenges in the forestry sector. (Full Story)

February 14, 2025 - 2025 minimum wage increases confirmed - B.C.'s lowest-paid workers will see a 2.6% wage increase on June 1, 2025, keeping pace with inflation. The general minimum wage increases from $17.40 to $17.85 per hour. This follows the changes made in spring 2024 to the Employment Standards Act, which mandated annual wage increases. Minimum wage rates for residential caretakers, live-in home-support workers, camp leaders and app-based ride-hailing and delivery services workers will receive the same 2.6% increase on June 1. (Full Story)

March 20, 2025 - Manitoba budget will ease payroll tax, include job-creation spending - The Manitoba government is hiking capital spending and introducing new tax rules in a deficit budget aimed at safeguarding the province from tariffs imposed by United States President Donald Trump. The NDP government said the threat of prolonged tariffs from the U.S. and China cannot be ignored, and new public spending and tax changes will protect jobs. In an attempt to boost business investment, the NDP government is reducing the payroll tax paid by employers. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Manitoba PNP Draw: Province Issues 111 Canada Immigration Invitations - Manitoba has conducted its latest Expression of Interest (EOI) draw, issuing 111 Letters of Advice to Apply (LAAs) under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP) on March 6. The invitations were distributed across two categories: Skilled Worker in Manitoba, and Skilled Worker Overseas. Of the 111 invitations, 27 were issued to candidates with a valid Express Entry profile number and job seeker validation code. (Full Story)

February 26, 2025 - Top 10 Jobs for New Immigrants in Winnipeg, Manitoba - Winnipeg, the capital of Manitoba, has a strong job market with opportunities across various industries. Many companies are actively looking for skilled workers, making it easier for newcomers to secure employment. With its affordable cost of living and welcoming immigrant communities, Winnipeg is an attractive destination for those looking to build a new career in Canada. (Full Story)

February 18, 2025 - Manitoba government funds $1.1M in job-creation projects - Manitoba is spending more than $1 million on projects meant to help youth build careers close to home, job creation minister Jamie Moses announced Tuesday. The First Jobs Fund - which supports non-profits and non-government organizations to implement programs for people aged 15-29 that face barriers to employment - will fund six organizations with up to $225,000. (Full Story)

February 18, 2025 - Manitoba Government Supports First Jobs Fund - The Manitoba government is investing $1.1 million to support six projects that provide youth in Manitoba with the opportunity to gain their first job experience, helping them build the confidence and skills needed for future success. The First Jobs Fund supports registered non-profit or non-government organizations to implement programming for youth aged 15 to 29 facing barriers to employment, up to a maximum of $225,000 per organization. (Full Story)

February 7, 2025 - Manitoba Government Announces 2,000 Jobs Added in January - New Statistics Canada data shows 2,000 jobs were added in Manitoba in the month of January and the province continues to see average weekly earnings go up. From December 2024 to this January, Manitoba's unemployment rate dropped 0.1 percentage point, which is 0.5 percentage points below the national average. Private sector employment also increased by 3,200 jobs or 0.6 per cent, which was higher than the national average growth of 0.5 per cent. (Full Story)

March 16, 2025 - N.B.'s minimum wage to rise, but still well short of 'living wage' - New Brunswick holds first provincial draws of 2025 - On March 5 and 6, the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) held its first draws of the year, inviting candidates in select in-demand occupations. These recent draws follow a period of flux for the NBPNP, as the province looked to align immigration streams more tightly with labour market goals in the face of a significantly reduced provincial immigration allocation in 2025. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - New Brunswick unemployment rises to 7.5 per cent - New Brunswick's unemployment rate jumped to 7.5 per cent in February, erasing gains made in the previous month. Newly released data from Statistics Canada show that the province's labour force grew by 3,500 people last month while the number of jobs dipped by 1,500. The two numbers combined to see unemployment climb from 6.4 per cent in January. That's after unemployment was pegged at 7.7 per cent in December. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Chaos and Control: A film about Temporary Foreign Workers in New Brunswick (2023) - This documentary explores the housing and labour conditions that Temporary Foreign workers coming to New Brunswick live under. Stories are told by workers with commentary from researchers and migrant rights activists. Abuse against migrant workers is a challenging topic and the issues range from lack of support in getting timely health care, to sexual harassment to double standards in the treatment of Canadian employees and migrant workers. (Full Story)

March 5, 2025 - New Brunswick opens intake for two enhanced PNP pathways to permanent residence - Starting March 5, 2025, eligible newcomers can now submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) to the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) under two immigration pathways. The NBPNP has several application intake for certain Express Entry-aligned pathways. (Full Story)

February 11, 2025 - Minimum wage to increase to $15.65 per hour - The province's minimum wage will increase to $15.65 per hour on April 1. This is an increase of 35 cents from the current rate of $15.30 per hour. Six per cent of all employees in the province were earning the minimum wage last year, down from 6.7 per cent in 2023. More than half (56 per cent) of those earning minimum wage were working part time. Just under one-third (32 per cent) of all minimum wage earners were 15 to 19 years of age. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Public Advisory: Changes to Job Vacancy Assessment and Atlantic Immigration Program Designation Processes - The Provincial Government has implemented changes to the Job Vacancy Assessment and Atlantic Immigration Program designation processes. Both the Job Vacancy Assessment and Atlantic Immigration Program designation processes provide initial approval for employers to explore hiring international workers, who will become future applicants to economic immigration programs. (Full Story)

February 14, 2025 - Minimum wage in NL to increase to $16 per hour on April 1 - The minimum wage in Newfoundland and Labrador will increase by 40 cents to be set at $16 per hour on April 1, 2025, the provincial government announced.
The minimum overtime wage rate will increase to $24 per hour. A news release states the annual increase is required under the Labour Standards Regulations and is based on the percentage change in the National Consumer Price Index. (Full Story)

February 14, 2025 - NL Federation of Labour says minimum wage increase falls short for workers - The province announced a $0.40 increase to the minimum wage, effective April 1. The NL Federation of Larbour say it fails to adequately address the challenges faced by workers struggling to keep up with the rising cost of living. This decision, they contend, leaves thousands of workers and their families unable to meet basic needs, with broader implications for our communities and our economy. (Full Story)

February 12, 2025 - New ‘Make It Excellent' Campaign Encourages Careers in the Skilled Trades - The Provincial Government has announced the launch of the Make It Excellent in the Skilled Trades campaign to encourage youth and underemployed individuals to pursue careers in the skilled trades through apprenticeship. With approximately 6,000 construction workers expected to retire in the next 10 years, and the potential for thousands of new jobs created through new hydroelectric projects in Labrador, there is a great future for the next generation of local skilled tradespeople. (Full Story)

February 11, 2025 - 2024 Living wage rates for Newfoundland and Labrador: Understanding costs in Labrador - The Living Wage calculation is an annual assessment of the wage required for a benchmark household to meet the minimum costs of living across regions in Atlantic Canada. Both the 2024 Atlantic Canada Report and the 2023 Newfoundland and Labrador Report have highlighted the unusually high cost of living in the Labrador region.  In the 2024 calculation, the required living wage in Labrador was 11-13% higher than the rest of the province. (Full Story)

February 10, 2025 - WorkplaceNL Seeking the Public's Input on 2026-28 Strategic Plan - WorkplaceNL is interested in your thoughts on the most important strategic issues that may be considered for our new three-year strategic plan. Strategic issues are defined as significant internal or external changes that have a direct impact on how we can ensure the right balance between fair compensation for injured workers, the financial interests of employers and long-term system sustainability. (Full Story)

February 6, 2025 - What Newfoundland and Labrador-based employers need to know about changes to employee leave legislation - While Newfoundland and Labrador employees who take three or more consecutive days of sick leave are no longer required to provide their employer with a doctor's note, it doesn't mean employers can't demand evidence of illness or injury. Bills 82 and 101 are making changes to various leave provisions in Newfoundland and Labrador's Labour Standards Act. (Full Story)

March 20, 2025 - Dangerous disregard for NWT worker safety cannot continue - Workers' safety is not a privilege - it is a fundamental right. Yet, time and time again, governments and employers fail to take the necessary steps to ensure the well-being of those who keep our communities running. From preventable workplace tragedies to inadequate security in public spaces, we are witnessing a dangerous disregard for worker safety across the Northwest Territories. This cannot continue. (Full Story)

March 13, 2025 - Motion to halt Indigenous Employment Policy is defeated - An attempt by some MLAs to call a halt to the introduction of a new Indigenous Employment Policy at the territorial government has failed. he policy is designed to update the decades-old Affirmative Action Policy, which politicians have long accused of failing to ensure the NWT government hired enough Indigenous staff to adequately reflect the peoples of the territory. (Full Story)

March 11, 2025 - GNWT approves Indigenous Employment Policy - The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) has approved an Indigenous Employment Policy to ensure that Indigenous applicants have equitable opportunities for employment and career advancement within the public service. The Indigenous Employment Policy establishes preferred hiring status for Indigenous peoples, with primary consideration given to those who are recognized members or descendants of First Nations, Métis, or Inuit peoples indigenous to the present boundaries of the Northwest Territories. (Full Story)

March 6, 2025 - Improving Employment Standards Legislation - In 2023, the Government of the Northwest Territories launched a review of the Employment Standards Act and Regulations; the first comprehensive review in over a decade. Workplaces have changed significantly, and our legislation must ensure fair, modern protections for workers and clarity for employers. Updates to the Act and Regulations are being developed now, and the new legislation is expected to take effect during the current Legislative Assembly. (Full Story)

February 7, 2025 - Employment rises in NWT, unemployment down to five per cent - The NWT's employment rate for January 2025 was a little more than 66 per cent, making about a one per cent increase from December 2024. That one per cent represents 500 employed people, according to the NWT Bureau of Statistics. The total number of active workers in the territory now is 23,000, with full-time jobs added in the goods-producing sector in particular, the bureau noted. (Full Story)

February 7, 2025 - NWT Personal Support Worker Bilateral Agreement - Health Canada and the Government of the Northwest Territories have amended the Aging with Dignity Bilateral Agreement to include a focus on recruitment and retention measures for Personal Support Workers in the Northwest Territories. The Department of Health and Social Services is committed to enabling seniors to age in place with dignity as close to home as possible. With an aging population and an increase in the complexity of healthcare needs, the demand for Personal Support Workers is growing. (Full Story)

March 19, 2025 - N.S. Liberals bring forward legislation to expand Nova Scotia's workforce - In the face of economic uncertainty, Nova Scotia Liberals are proposing a bill to strengthen the province's economy by ensuring more Nova Scotians have access to good jobs. Interim Leader Derek Mombourquette will table the Workforce Expansion Act, a bill that will create new opportunities for under-represented groups and help businesses address labour shortages. (Full Story)

March 19, 2025 - WCB Nova Scotia issues RFP in return-to-work initiative - Nova Scotia is grappling with one of the highest injury-related work absence rates in Canada. On average, an injured worker in the province is sidelined for six months-a figure significantly higher than most other regions. This alarming trend has prompted WCB Nova Scotia to overhaul its approach. As part of its Protect More Strategic Plan, it has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for health services that seeks to reinvent the province's healthcare services model for injured workers. (Full Story)

March 9, 2025 - Nova Scotia takes biggest hit on employment ahead of tariff impacts - In February, just 1,100 jobs were added to the Canadian economy, falling well below economists' predictions and the 76,000 jobs added in January. While employment remained stagnant across most of the country, Nova Scotia was hit hard with a loss of 4,300 jobs, increasing the unemployment rate by 0.7 percentage points. The unemployment rate in the province now sits at 6.6 per cent, which is still consistent with the rest of the country. (Full Story)

March 4, 2025 - Nova Scotia expanding paid domestic violence leave to 5 days - Nova Scotia is increasing paid domestic violence leave from three to five days, effective April 1. The change aims to give employees more time to access essential medical, legal and social support services, according to a press release. Currently, employees with at least three months of service are eligible for up to 16 continuous weeks of domestic violence leave. In addition, an employee can take 10 continuous or intermittent days, which includes three paid days. (Full Story)

February 21, 2025 - N.S. wages grew faster than inflation for the 2nd consecutive year, but remain lowest in Canada - In 2021 and 2022, many Nova Scotia workers effectively took a pay cut as prices rose faster than wages. Now that trend seems to be reversing, a CBC News analysis of Statistics Canada data has found. The median Nova Scotia wage in 2024 grew faster than inflation for the second consecutive year. Labour economist Lars Osberg said this is good news, but that it also masks the disproportionate and unequal impact inflation has had. (Full Story)

February 18, 2025 - Workers' compensation: A spotlight on a clear path for change - Workers' compensation. Those two words are not found in the headlines often. In fact, workers' compensation is often taken for granted – a backdrop to the working lives of millions of Canadians, and about 350,000 Nova Scotians. It's there if it's needed. But until it is, it's rarely thought about. (Full Story)

February 3, 2025 - WCB Nova Scotia prepares employers for Duty to Cooperate law - With Nova Scotia preparing to enforce its Duty to Cooperate legislation on July 15, 2025, the Workers' Compensation Board of Nova Scotia (WCB) is ramping up efforts to educate employers and workers on their new legal responsibilities. During a recent webinar, WCB leadership outlined what the law requires and how workplaces can prepare. (Full Story)

January 29, 2025 - Nova Scotia to Introduce Its Largest Minimum Wage Increase Ever - Nova Scotians will benefit this year from the largest minimum wage increase in the province's history. The rate will increase $1.30 in total this year, first rising to $15.70 per hour on April 1 and then to $16.50 on October 1. The minimum wage is updated every year on April 1 based on the consumer price index for the previous year, plus an extra one per cent. The additional increase on October 1 this year responds to concerns about the rising cost of living. (Full Story)

January 29, 2025 - Nova Scotia minimum wage increase threatens restaurants' survival - Nova Scotia's 2025 minimum wage increase will pose significant challenges for its foodservice businesses and threaten the job stability of the 32,000 Nova Scotians they employ if it does not come with real measures to help the industry, warns Restaurants Canada. The restaurant industry is responsible for 4.7% of Nova Scotia's GDP and is a significant contributor to the tourism product of the province. (Full Story)

January 20, 2025 - Learn about the N.S. program aimed at helping people get back into the workforce - Applying for jobs can be overwhelming at the best of times. For those updating their resume for the first time in decades, it can be even more daunting. In Nova Scotia, there's a workshop that can help people from all backgrounds. The Older Wiser Labourforce workshop (OWL) caters to those 45 and older. (Full Story)

March 5, 2025 - Call for Proposals – Targeted Labour Market Program - The Department of Family Services is now accepting proposals for Targeted Employment and Training Programs to be delivered in the 2025-2026 fiscal year, starting any time after April 1, 2025. Training providers, including non-profit organizations and institutions, municipal corporations and Inuit organizations may apply for funding to deliver programs. (Full Story)

February 25, 2025 - Licensed child care centre wage scale increase - The Department of Education's Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) division is increasing the ELCC Wage Scale Program rates by 7.5% starting April 1, 2025 to support recruitment and retention of staff in licensed child care centres. Through federal funding, the ELCC Wage Scale Program provides licensed child care centres serving children ages 0-6 years, the opportunity to ensure fair and competitive wages for their staff. (Full Story)

February 10, 2025 - YES Nunavik rebrands with a new purpose - YES Nunavik Ungava has a new direction and a new name. The employment organization announced an expansion last week to provide services to people of all ages, not just youth. With the change of focus comes a change in name. YES, which previously stood for Youth Employment Services, now stands for Your Employment Services. (Full Story)

March 25, 2025 - Working Notice in Ontario – What Employees Need to Know - If you've been told your job is ending and your employer wants you to keep working until a future termination date, you've likely been given working notice. But what does that mean, and is it a fair offer? In Ontario, employers are allowed to provide working notice instead of paying termination or severance pay immediately. But there are strict legal rules around how working notice must be delivered. (Full Story)

March 24, 2025 - New program offers free support for women entering the workforce in Ontario - A new program is making it easier for women, particularly Canadian newcomers and racial minorities, to connect with employers and find work in Ontario. Achēv, a local non-profit that helps Ontario residents find employment and build a long-term career, is now offering a free program called Paving the Way for Immigrant and Racialized Women. (Full Story)

March 12, 2025 - New deadlines announced for Ontario employers - The Ontario Government has announced new deadlines for employers with employees in Ontario. This article contains a high-level summary of when key new deadlines from Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, and Bill 229 the Working for Workers Six Act, 2024 will come into force and what needs to be done. (Full Story)

March 3, 2025 - Ontario Minimum Wage Rises to $23.86/Hour – Eligibility and Key Insights, Find Out If You Qualify - The Ontario government has recently announced a significant increase in the minimum wage for Registered Early Childhood Educators (RECEs) in licensed child-care centres, raising it to $23.86 per hour effective January 1, 2024. This change is part of a broader initiative to address workforce shortages in the child-care sector and ensure fair compensation for educators who play a crucial role in child development. (Full Story)

February 12, 2025 - Ontario lost nearly 1,300 residential construction jobs last year-the worst in Canada - In 2024, Ontario saw the largest decline in residential housing construction (housing starts) in the country: down 16 per cent. British Columbia saw a smaller decline of nine per cent. In contrast, housing starts went up by 26 per cent in Quebec, 20 per cent in the Atlantic Region, and 25 per cent in the Prairies. (Full Story)

February 9, 2025 - Ontario Will See Increased Minimum Wage in 2025 - Ontario is set for a significant shift in its labour landscape as the province prepares to announce a new minimum wage increase before April 1, 2025. This anticipated adjustment aims to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living and reflects the government's commitment to fair wages. The minimum wage ensures that even the lowest-paid employees receive a wage that allows for at least a basic standard of living. (Full Story)

January 23, 2025 - How changes to parental, illness leave, job posting requirements could impact Ontario employers - In light of upcoming changes to Ontario's employment leave policies, as well as new requirements for job postings, it's important for employers to review and update their workplace policies to ensure they're in line with current legislation. As of June 19, an employee with at least 13 weeks of service is entitled to an unpaid leave of up to 27 weeks if the employee is unable to perform the duties of their position because of a serious medical condition. (Full Story)

January 17, 2025 - Ontario Driving Rural and Northern Economic Growth through Skilled Immigration - The Ontario government has launched the Regional Economic Development through Immigration (REDI) pilot program to target highly-skilled immigration for four rural and northern regions with a high demand for skilled labour: Lanark, Leeds and Grenville, Sarnia-Lambton, and Thunder Bay. REDI enables local employers in these communities to attract up to 800 additional workers for in-demand careers. (Full Story)

March 20, 2025 - Health P.E.I. posting 500 permanent full-time jobs in effort to stabilize workforce - Health P.E.I. is posting 500 permanent full-time positions for current staff members, hoping to change existing part-time and casual workers into full-time employees. Having more full-time staff will make it easier for the health agency to schedule and figure out what ideal staffing should look like, said Maura McKinnon, the interim human resources executive with Health P.E.I. (Full Story)

March 20, 2025 - Health P.E.I.'s outdated diversity policy is placing vulnerable workers at risk, say critics - A Health P.E.I. employee says the provincial health authority's equity and diversity policy is inadequate and fails to protect marginalized health-care workers. The policy, which went into effect in 2008, is supposed to be reviewed every three years. The last review took place in 2017. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Labour Force Survey Monthly - Statistics Canada's LFS shows P.E.I.'s seasonally adjusted employment in February totaled 93,800, an increase of 1,800 from one year ago and down 500 from last month. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 7.8 percent, up 0.8 of a percentage point as compared to February 2024 and up 0.6 of a percentage point from last month. The total labour force totaled 101,700 in February. (Full Story)

March 5, 2025 - Employers can apply for wage subsides to hire summer students - Island businesses hiring summer students may qualify for provincial government wage subsidies through two SkillsPEI summer employment programs. The Jobs for Youth Program offers wage subsidies to employers hiring students aged 15-29 that work four to eight weeks during the summer and plan to return to school in the fall. The Post-Secondary Student Program provides wage subsidies to employers hiring full-time post-secondary students for twelve to eighteen weeks over the summer. (Full Story)

February 24, 2025 - WCB expands safety training for PEI workers and employers - The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of Prince Edward Island is expanding its suite of free online safety courses, adding three new certificate programs to support workers and employers. The newly available courses-Ergonomics, Developing a Respiratory Protection Program, and Hearing Conservation Programs-build on the success of the first five courses launched in May 2024. (Full Story)

February 25, 2025 - Foreign worker recruiter license to be required in PEI starting in April - The first phase of Prince Edward Island's Temporary Foreign Workers Protection Act is set to take effect in just over a month. As of April 1, 2025, individuals recruiting foreign workers must be licensed to recruit temporary foreign workers into the province, according to the provincial government. Individuals who operate without a licence could be fined up to $5,000. (Full Story)

February 25, 2025 - Temporary foreign workers face major barriers in P.E.I. - A panel discussion in Charlottetown focused on the challenges temporary foreign workers deal with on the Island, especially the issue of sexual violence in the workplace. Many workers don't report incidents out of fear that they may lose their status. CBC's Connor Lamont has more. (Full Story)

February 24, 2025 - P.E.I. to implement new protections for temporary foreign workers in April - The Prince Edward Island government will implement new rules aimed at protecting temporary foreign workers and regulating recruiters this spring. The first phase of the Temporary Foreign Worker Protection Act will go into effect on April 1, according to a news release from the province. It will offer new rights for workers while the second phase will launch an employer registry and administrative penalties. (Full Story)

February 20, 2025 - Additional online courses offered to support PEI workers and employers - Building on the success of the first five courses it launched less than a year ago, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is pleased to announce that three additional online certificate courses are now available. These courses are free, and they are available to anyone at the click of a button on the WCB website. The three new courses are: Ergonomics, Developing a Respiratory Protection Program and Hearing Conservation Programs. (Full Story)

February 20, 2025 - With expenses high and wages low, many P.E.I. newcomers are struggling to get by - A recent CBC-Pollara survey on newcomers' experience in Canada highlights the financial difficulty faced by many of them. In all, 82 per cent agreed the cost of living in Canada is making it difficult to settle in this country, and 49 per cent said the affordability of rent or a mortgage is difficult. (Full Story)

February 5, 2025 - P.E.I. government should lower business tax rate to spur higher wages - Economists and policy analysts have long pointed to Prince Edward Island's high business taxes as an obstacle to economic growth. Why? Because high business taxes discourage investment and drive down wages. This problem has persisted for so long that many may believe it's too difficult and expensive to solve. (Full Story)

March 10, 2025 - 2024 provincial workplace injury statistics released - Saskatchewan continued to see the number of workplace injuries and fatalities drop in 2024. The Total injury rate of 3.91 per 100 workers for 2024 sets a new historical low in the province with the decrease of 1.01 per cent from the 2023 rate. Since 2009, the Total injury rate has decreased by 57.62 per cent. (Full Story)

March 10, 2025 - Saskatchewan's workplace injury, death rates dropped in 2024: WCB - Saskatchewan's workplace injury and death rates both dropped in 2024. According to data from the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board, the province's workplace injury rate of 3.91 per 100 workers in 2024 set a new historical low for the province, dropping for the second consecutive year. The 2024 injury rate represents a 1.01 per cent decrease over the 2023 rate of 3.95 injuries per 100 workers. (Full Story)

March 7, 2025 - Sask. NDP says pause of skilled worker program ‘hurts our province' - Pressure is being put on the Sask. Party government to bring back the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program, (SINP), a program that recruits skilled workers and speeds up their move to permanent Canadian residency. On Friday, a group of Saskatchewan employers and NDP MLAs gathered at the legislative building in Regina to share their concerns. (Full Story)

March 4, 2025 - Disappointment as Sask. quietly pauses employers' ability to hire foreign workers through nominee program - A decision by the Saskatchewan government to quietly pause employers' ability to hire foreign workers through a nominee program could leave businesses without employees and immigrants without the job they need to remain in Canada. SINP is meant to address labour shortages in Saskatchewan by having immigrants fill vacant positions. (Full Story)

February 7, 2025 - Unemployment falls in Saskatchewan despite job losses in the southeast - Saskatchewan's unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 per cent in January, tying with Quebec for the lowest in Canada, as the province added nearly 10,000 jobs over the past year. However, southeastern Saskatchewan saw job losses, and a decline in the labour force contributed to the province's lower unemployment rate, according to Statistics Canada. (Full Story)

February 3, 2025 - Saskatchewan top employers take a creative approach to recruiting - Faced with one of the tightest labour markets in Canada, forward-thinking companies made the Saskatchewan Top Employers (2025) winners list by understanding what motivates today's workers and by infusing flexibility, a sense of purpose and personal focus into their policies and programs. (Full Story)

January 30, 2025 - Saskatchewan group advances Indigenous action plan for recruitment, training, and procurement - The Saskatchewan Research Council (SRC) has released a new Indigenous action plan that will engage the province's Indigenous communities in workforce engagement and procurement. SRC's Indigenous Action Plan has been built to align with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's (TRC) Call to Action 92 and will be lifted by four integral pillars: Employment, leadership, Indigenous community relationships and business development. (Full Story)

March 14, 2025 - Four provinces increasing minimum wage next month - Four Canadian provinces are set to increase their minimum wage rates next month. In Yukon, the base pay will rise to $17.94 per hour, up from the current $17.59, effective April 1. "Ensuring the minimum wage keeps pace with inflation is one way of keeping life affordable for Yukoners," said Richard Mostyn, Yukon's minister of community services. "This minimum wage increase, linked to the annual rise in the Yukon's consumer price index, will better help Yukoners make ends meet." (Full Story)

March 5, 2025 - Yukoners react to extended paid sick leave rebate program - With the Yukon government extending its paid sick leave program for one more year, Yukoners are reacting with mixed feelings. The Yukon government announced on Feb. 27 that its sick leave rebate program would be extended to March 31, 2026. The program reimburses employers who give their workers paid sick days. The program was initially supposed to end this month. (Full Story)

March 3, 2025 - Yukon extends Paid Sick Leave Rebate Program until 2026 - Yukon is extending its Paid Sick Leave Rebate Program until March 31, 2026, subject to legislative approval of Budget 2025–26. The territorial government is investing $850,000 in funding for the program under the proposed budget. The rebate-paid to employers and self-employed Yukoners-covers up to 40 hours of sick leave per year for eligible employees and self-employed workers making less than or equal to the average hourly private-sector wage in Yukon. (Full Story)

February 15, 2025 - Yukon government Indigenous recruitment plan criticized as lip service - A former architect of the Yukon Aboriginal Employment Plan has criticized the territorial government's recent efforts to address barriers to Indigenous recruitment, saying the government lacks meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities and fails to establish accountability. Dr. Rocky Dwyer argued the Yukon government's current approach provides more "lip service" than true collaboration, neglecting to build adequate educational and career development opportunities for Indigenous people. (Full Story)

January 16, 2025 - Yukon government aims to get foreign-trained healthcare workers licensed to work in territory - The Yukon government has launched a navigation service to help foreign-trained healthcare workers get their Canadian medical licences. The Foreign Credential Recognition Navigation Service was announced on Jan. 9. The service pairs foreign-trained healthcare workers to navigators who will offer counselling and information on requirements to work in the Yukon. The service is for those with foreign credentials already in the Yukon, or expressing a desire to move to the Yukon. (Full Story)