COVID-19 had a huge impact on the labour market in the 2020 and 2021. According to an Institut de la statistique du Québec (ISQ) study, hundreds of thousands of jobs were lost during the pandemic, mainly in lower-paying sectors. At the same time, the crisis also generated growth in other industries.

Growth industries

The study found that the finance, insurance, real estate, leasing, and professional, scientific and technical services industries accounted for almost 40% of the overall growth in jobs that pay $30/hour or more.

The transport and logistics sector also grew despite the pandemic. Moreover, there are many vacancies in this industry.

Low-paid jobs most affected by the pandemic

In 2020, approximately 275,000 jobs that pay less than $20 per hour were lost. This was due in part to the forced closure of many non-essential businesses and restaurants across Quebec. The hotel industry was also greatly affected by COVID-19, with many establishments having to lay off employees.

More jobs that pay $30/hour or more

Despite the negative effects of the pandemic on the Quebec economy, the best-paying jobs increased. A total of 105,000 new jobs that pay more than $30 per hour were created. Of these new jobs, 67,000 are held by women and 38,000 by men.

University graduates better paid

Of the 105,000 new jobs that pay $30/hour or more, 75% were filled by people with at least a bachelor’s degree. In 2019, only half of the jobs paying $30 or more were filled by university graduates.

In short, the pandemic mainly affected low-paying jobs but increased the number of jobs that pay $30 an hour or more in several sectors, such as transportation, which saw growth despite the crisis.