The March CFIB Business Barometer shows a modest decline in overall business confidence, despite this pullback, hiring intentions remain in positive territory: 19% of businesses plan to hire, compared to 13% planning layoffs, maintaining net-positive employment expectations. Hiring sentiment has improved relative to much of 2025, when layoffs often outpaced hiring. The March confidence dip reflects renewed caution, particularly tied to demand uncertainty and ongoing cost pres

Canada’s labour market is entering a new phase as baby boomer retirements hit their peak. By 2030, 92% of boomers will be over 65, pushing the national labour force participation rate from 65.3% to 63.4%—a drop larger than the last 14 years combined. This tightening supply comes just as labour market weakness is expected to unwind. Alberta and Calgary, with their reliance on construction, real estate, agriculture, and support services—all sectors with aging workforces—will li

Calgary’s labour force grew 4.2% year-over-year, adding 41,600 jobs, with strong gains in professional, scientific, and technical services (+13,100) and finance, insurance, and real estate (+10,400). Full-time employment rose by more than 42,000 positions. But challenges persist. The unemployment rate edged up to 7.5%, with youth unemployment climbing to 19.1%. Goods-producing industries shed jobs—particularly in manufacturing (-4,300), oil and gas (-3,600), and constructio