Nearly 6 in 10 Canadian Employers Plan to Increase Hiring Before the End of 2026: What It Means for Skilled Workers and Future Immigrants

Canada's labour market continues to show strong demand for skilled professionals. According to a recent survey by Robert Half, 58% of Canadian employers plan to increase permanent hiring before the end of 2026, up from 55% at the beginning of the year. At the same time, many organizations are still struggling to find qualified talent with specialized skills.

For individuals considering working or immigrating to Canada, this is an encouraging development. While increased hiring does not automatically guarantee immigration eligibility or a job offer, it does indicate that many employers continue to face workforce shortages and are actively seeking qualified professionals.

In this article, we'll explore what these hiring trends mean, which industries are experiencing the greatest demand, and how they may create opportunities for skilled workers planning to build a future in Canada.

Canadian Employers Continue to Expand Their Workforce

A recent survey of more than 1,360 Canadian hiring managers found that hiring confidence remains strong during the second half of 2026.

Key findings include:

• 58% of employers plan to increase permanent hiring before the end of 2026.
• 45% expect to hire contract professionals to support priority projects and specialized work.
• Hiring plans increased from 55% earlier in the year, reflecting growing business confidence.

These figures suggest that many Canadian businesses are continuing to invest in growth despite ongoing labour market challenges.

Rather than slowing recruitment, employers are actively searching for skilled profession

Why Is Hiring Growing in Canada?

Several factors continue to drive hiring across Canada.

Persistent Labour Shortages

Many industries continue to experience shortages of qualified workers. Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to recruit professionals with the technical expertise and industry experience they need.

Business Expansion

As organizations invest in new initiatives, digital transformation, and long-term growth, they require additional talent to support expanding operations.

An Aging Workforce

Canada's aging population continues to contribute to labour shortages. As experienced workers retire, employers must replace valuable skills while preparing for future workforce needs.

Demand for Specialized Expertise

Today's employers are increasingly looking for candidates with specialized technical knowledge, leadership capabilities, and industry-specific experience.

Skills Shortages Continue to Challenge Employers

Although hiring demand remains strong, finding qualified professionals continues to be one of employers' biggest challenges.

According to the survey:

• 53% of hiring managers say finding qualified talent is more difficult than before.
• 56% have experienced significant project delays because of staffing shortages.
• 48% have cancelled projects due to a lack of necessary skills.

These findings highlight that Canada's hiring challenges are not simply about filling vacancies—they are about finding candidates with the right expertise.

The Skills Employers Need Most

Canadian employers identified several skill areas that are especially difficult to find.

These include:

• Technical or specialized skills
• Industry-specific knowledge and experience
• Leadership and management abilities

More than half of hiring managers also said that specialized skills are among the most important qualities they look for when making hiring decisions.

For professionals who have developed expertise in their field, this may improve employment prospects as employers compete for qualified talent.

Which Professional Fields Have the Strongest Hiring Demand?

The Robert Half survey found the strongest hiring intentions in several professional fields, including:

• Legal
• Marketing and creative
• Human resources
• Finance and accounting
• Technology
• Administrative and customer support

While hiring demand differs by province, employer, and occupation, these sectors continue to demonstrate strong recruitment activity throughout 2026.

Individuals with education, certifications, or professional experience in these areas may find growing opportunities as employers expand their teams.

What Do These Hiring Trends Mean for Foreign Workers?

Growing hiring demand is encouraging news for people planning to work in Canada.

When Canadian employers struggle to fill positions locally, they may expand their recruitment efforts to attract qualified talent from outside the country, where permitted under Canadian immigration and employment regulations.

Canada's ongoing labour shortages have also influenced various economic immigration programs designed to help address workforce needs across different regions and industries.

However, it is important to understand that hiring demand does not automatically guarantee immigration approval or employment.

Eligibility for Canadian immigration programs depends on several factors, including:

• Education
• Work experience
• Language proficiency
• Occupation
• Provincial labour market needs
• Program-specific eligibility requirements

Understanding which pathway best fits your circumstances is an important first step before beginning your immigration journey.

How Employers Are Adapting to Talent Shortages

Many employers are adjusting their hiring strategies instead of waiting for the perfect candidate.

The survey found that:

• 37% prioritize hiring high-potential candidates and investing in their development when fully qualified professionals are unavailable.
• 56% work with staffing firms to access specialized talent more quickly.

This demonstrates that employers are becoming more flexible while remaining focused on finding candidates with the right potential and transferable skills.

For job seekers, continuous learning, professional certifications, and relevant work experience can make a meaningful difference in today's competitive labour market.

How Skilled Workers Can Prepare for Opportunities in Canada

If you're considering working or immigrating to Canada, now is an excellent time to prepare.

Some practical steps include:

• Research occupations that are in demand in your profession.
• Keep your resume updated using Canadian resume standards.
• Strengthen your English or French language skills.
• Gather employment records, educational credentials, and supporting documents.
• Learn about available Canadian work permit and permanent residence pathways.
• Seek professional immigration guidance before submitting an application.

Preparation can help you respond more quickly when suitable employment or immigration opportunities become available.

Get Professional Guidance for Your Canadian Immigration Journey

Navigating Canada's immigration system can be complex, especially as immigration programs and labour market needs continue to evolve.

Foothills Immigration helps individuals and families understand their available options and prepare applications for a variety of immigration pathways, including:

• Work permits
• Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA)-supported applications
• Express Entry
• Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs)
• Permanent residence pathways

Whether you're exploring opportunities in Canada for the first time or preparing your next application, receiving professional guidance can help you better understand your options and move forward with confidence.