Historical Background of the Canadian Labour Market

Labour Movement in Canada

Labour Unions were established to unite in advocating for equitable pay, secure working environments, and reasonable working hours. Canada boasts millions of union members who recognize that through collective action, they can achieve significant improvements both for their own well-being and for the broader workforce (Canadian Labour Congress, n.d.).

History of Labour Unions in Canada

• Labour unions in Canada date back to the early 19th century.

• Inspired by labour movements in Europe and the USA, early unions were craft-based and represented skilled workers in specific trades.

Industrial Revolution and Union Growth (late 19th century)

• The growth of industry in late 19th-century Canada led to the expansion of unions.

• The Knights of Labor, a US-based union, had a significant presence in Canada and advocated for workers' rights across various industries.

Trade Union Act of 1872

• The Trade Union Act of 1872 legalised trade unions across all of Canada, providing legal protections and recognition for unions.

• This act marked a significant milestone for Canadian labour rights.

Canadian Labour Congress (CLC) Formation of 1956

• The CLC was formed in 1956 through the merger of the Trades and Labour Congress of Canada and the Canadian Congress of Labour.

• It became the largest labour federation in Canada, representing workers from various industries.

Expansion of Workers' Rights in the 20th Century

• Labour unions played a crucial role in advocating for workers' rights throughout the 20th century.

• Achievements included minimum wage laws, limits on working hours, and collective bargaining rights.

Public Sector Unionization (1960s-1970s)

• The 1960s and 1970s saw a significant increase in public sector unionisation.

• Public employees formed unions to negotiate better working conditions and benefits.

Healthcare:

• Workforce Expansion: Non-management health occupations increased by 16.8% from 2016 to 2021, with job vacancies reaching record highs.

• Educational Requirements: Many healthcare workers hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

• Educated Workforce Growth: Working-age individuals with a degree in healthcare increased by 24.1% from 2016 to 2021.

• Racial Diversity: Racialized populations play a substantial role in healthcare, with diverse groups contributing to the workforce.

Construction:

• Employment Significance: The construction industry employs over 1.3 million people in Canada, offering employment opportunities for various education levels.

• Apprenticeship Challenges: While job vacancies in construction remained high, the number of apprenticeship holders stagnated or declined.

Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services:

• Significant Growth: Employment in this sector grew significantly, with over 1.5 million workers in 2021, primarily requiring higher education levels.

• Educational Demand: More than half of the occupations in this industry necessitate a bachelor's degree.

• Job Vacancy Highs: Job vacancies in this industry also reached record highs.

Working from Home:

• Remote Work Trend: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant shift towards working from home, with 4.2 million Canadians doing so in May 2021.

• Interprovincial Mobility: A notable number of remote workers relocated to different municipalities or provinces within the past year, indicating increased work flexibility.

Language in the Workplace:

• Linguistic Dominance: English and French remained the predominant languages of convergence in workplaces, despite Canada's linguistic diversity.

• Regional Language Usage: Regional variations existed, with Quebec primarily using French and New Brunswick mainly using English. Other languages were also used, reflecting multiculturalism.

Labour Market Variability:

• Regional Disparities: Local labour market conditions vary significantly across Canada, influenced by demographics, immigration, diversity, and industry growth.

• High-Tech Hubs: Certain Canadian cities, such as Toronto, Kitchener–Cambridge–Waterloo, and Ottawa–Gatineau, are recognized as high-tech hubs with significant employment in the ICT sector.

Labor Force Diversity:

• Increased Participation: Labor force participation rates increased by 1.2 percentage points among racialized groups aged 25 to 54 from 2016 to 2021, with significant contributions from Korean and West Asian Canadians.