Newcomer guides
Work, jobs and the economy
What the job market looks like right now, which jobs are hiring, where to search, how to get a mentor, and your rights at work.
Updated October 2026 · Ontario
Where the economy is going
A slower job market. Plan for a longer search.
−68,000
Jobs lost in Canada, September 2026
After −42,000 in August
6.5%
Canada unemployment rate
Ontario: 7.0%
13.0%
Youth unemployment (15–24)
Young people are hit hardest
2.3%
Wage growth, permanent jobs
Year over year
What is happening
- All of Canada's job gains from earlier in 2026 have now been lost
- The biggest losses were in education, health care and social assistance, and manufacturing
- Fewer people are working or looking for work than at almost any time in nearly 30 years, partly because of an aging population and slower immigration
- Energy prices are pushing costs up; markets expect the Bank of Canada may raise interest rates in December, which can make loans and some rents more expensive.
What it means for you
- Start your search early and apply to many jobs each week
- Consider a "bridge" job in a hiring sector while you work toward your career
- Use free employment services; they know who is hiring
- Build your network; many jobs are filled through people you know
- Keep an emergency fund if you can, even a small one.
Jobs in demand in 2026
These frontline jobs are still hiring across Canada, according to recruitment agency Randstad. Many need little or no Canadian experience to start.
Customer-facing
- Sales associate
- Retail sales
- Customer service representative
- Store manager
- Receptionist
Fast to start. English helps.
Office and finance
- Administrative assistant
- Office administrator
- Bookkeeper
- Accounting technician
Short courses and software skills help.
Health care
- Registered nurse
- Registered practical nurse
- Licensed practical nurse
- Pharmacy assistant
- Dental assistant
Nurses need an Ontario licence. Bridging programs help.
Warehouse and logistics
- Forklift operator
- Warehouse worker
Forklift certification takes days, not months.
Where to find jobs
Job Bank
The Government of Canada's free job site. Also shows wages and job outlooks for every occupation.
Employment Ontario
Free one-on-one job help, training and job matching. Call 1-800-387-5656.
ACCES Employment
Free employment programs built for newcomers, with employer connections.
Indeed and LinkedIn
The largest private job sites. Create a LinkedIn profile, as many employers check it.
Ontario Bridge Training
Programs that help internationally trained professionals get licensed and work in their field.
Get your credentials recognized
Doctors, nurses, engineers, teachers and more need a licence. Find your regulator first.
Canadian résumé basics
- One to two pages; start with your most recent job
- Do not include a photo, age, date of birth, marital status, religion or nationality; employers are not supposed to ask
- Show results with numbers ("served 80 customers a day"), not just duties
- Change your résumé for each job; use words from the job posting
- Include volunteer work; it counts as Canadian experience.
Interviews
- Arrive 10 minutes early, or join a video call 5 minutes early
- Prepare short stories about times you solved a problem
- Eye contact and a firm handshake are normal here
- It is normal to ask questions at the end and to send a thank-you email after.
Find a mentor
A mentor is someone working in your field who meets with you to share advice, contacts and how things work in Canada. It is free, and one of the best ways to find hidden jobs.
Sauti Yetu mentorship
Tell us your field and goals. We introduce you to a volunteer mentor, privately.
TRIEC Mentoring Partnership
Matches skilled immigrants in the Toronto region with mentors in their profession.
ACHEV
Free workshops, including how to find a mentor in your profession, plus employment programs.
Know your rights
Your rights at work in Ontario
$17.95
Minimum wage per hour
Since October 1, 2026, for most workers. Paid in cash or not, the rules apply.
No fees to get a job
Recruiters and employers cannot charge you a fee to find, get or keep a job.
Your documents are yours
An employer cannot keep your passport or work permit. That is against the law.
Overtime and pay stubs
Most workers get overtime pay after 44 hours a week. You must get a pay stub every payday.
Refugee claimants can work
Once you have a work permit. Never work without one. Ask a lawyer if you are unsure about your permit.
Unpaid or unsafe?
Call the Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551. You can complain without being fired for it.
Be careful: job scams
- A real job never asks you to pay for training, equipment or a "work permit" before you start
- Be suspicious of high pay for easy work, interviews only by text message, or offers you never applied for
- Never deposit a cheque and send part of the money back; this is a common fraud
- Selling an LMIA or a job offer for immigration is illegal; real employers do not charge for them
- Report scams to the Canada Anti-Fraud Centre: 1-888-495-8501.
Trusted information
Sources
- Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, September 2026
- BNN Bloomberg, October 9, 2026
- CP24: Randstad's in-demand jobs for 2026
- Ontario minimum wage October 2026
- Employment Standards Act guide
Economic figures update monthly. Next review: November 2026.