First increase in number of Quebec job vacancies since 2023: ISQ

After declining quarter after quarter, the number of job vacancies in Quebec has just increased slightly in the second quarter of 2025.

The latest figures from the Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) show that there were 123,800 job vacancies in the second quarter of 2025. Compared to the same quarter in 2024, this represents a decrease of 15,600.

However, this is an increase compared to the first quarter of 2025, when 115,515 job vacancies were recorded. This is the first increase in the number of job vacancies since 2023.

In an interview on Thursday, Véronique Proulx, president and CEO of the Quebec Federation of Chambers of Commerce, saw a link with the restrictions imposed on temporary foreign workers.

“This is the first time since 2023 that we have seen a slight increase in the number of job vacancies. We know that Quebec has 72,000 temporary foreign workers. Many are unable to renew their work permits. We are seeing a slight upward trend in manufacturing and construction. And, for us, this is closely linked to the fact that many temporary foreign workers are leaving the labor market,” she said.

However, authorities have recently recorded an increase in youth unemployment, which seems to contradict the number of job vacancies.

When asked about this, Proulx explained that it is due to a mismatch between the field of study and the type of job vacancies, as well as the region of residence.

“Is a biochemistry graduate from the University of Sherbrooke going to want to go work as a welder at Proco in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean? Is he going to want to take a job as a patient attendant on the North Shore? The answer is no.”

Proulx also points out that Quebec’s demographic problem remains. “The demographics are what they are. We have more people leaving the labor market than entering it.”

Sectors and wages

Once again, the health and social services sector has the highest number of job vacancies. There continues to be a high number of vacancies for nurses, nursing assistants, patient attendants, and early childhood educators.

The ISQ specifies that, of the 123,800 vacancies, 31,300 were in health care and social assistance during this quarter. “This industry alone accounts for a quarter of all vacancies,” the ISQ points out in its analysis.

Far behind are manufacturing, with 13,300 vacancies, retail, with 11,000 vacancies, and accommodation and food services, with 10,800 vacancies.

The salary required for these vacancies is far from the minimum wage of $16.10 per hour. It averages $28.25 per hour. However, the average hourly wage for all employees is $34.66, according to the ISQ.

–This report by La Presse Canadienne was translated by CityNews