This section presents evidence-based policy recommendations developed through research by our research team, other think-tanks and research institutions.
How Do Labour Shortages, Artificial Intelligence, and Trump Tariffs Affect Businesses and Immigrant Hiring in Atlantic Canada?
Jarislowsky Chair Research Team at Memorial University of Newfoundland, January, 2026
This study draws on responses from 1,700 senior executives and business owners who participated in a national survey. Although the survey covers Canada broadly, our analysis focuses specifically on SMEs in Atlantic Canada to better understand how capacity constraints interact with the region’s unique socioeconomic landscape. We explore how labour-related challenges, shaped by evolving digital technologies and U.S. tariffs, are affecting skill demands, hiring practices, and organizational capacity and performance.
- Hiring Challenges and Immigrant Integration in Atlantic Canada
- Artificial Intelligence Adoption and Workforce Readiness in Atlantic Canada
- Tariffs, Trade Diversification / Workforce Implications in Atlantic Canada
Building Canada Strong: Youth in the Labour Market – – Discussion Paper
Employment and Social Development Canada, Novermber 21, 2025
This discussion paper examines the growing challenges facing young Canadians in the labour market. Youth unemployment reached 14.1% in October 2025, well above the pre-pandemic average, while nearly one in five teens who want work cannot find a job. Underrepresented groups face even higher rates, and the number of youth not in education, employment, or training has surged to 914,000. Contributing factors include rapid population growth, softening hiring demand in youth-employing sectors, and AI-driven job displacement. The paper invites stakeholder feedback to help ensure young Canadians gain the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
Read the discussion paper here: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/esdc-edsc/documents/programs/youth-employment-strategy/labour-challenges/discussion/YouthEmployment-Engagement-DiscussionPaper-EN.pdf#1#1