A surge in hiring within the healthcare sectors of Alberta and Ontario has been boosting the Canadian job market significantly. However, this uptick may indicate more about the sluggish overall economy rather than direct improvements in patient care.
According to a recent analysis by Desjardins Group, both provinces have collectively added over 100,000 healthcare jobs in public institutions since the onset of the U.S. trade war. This growth aligns with increased funding allocated to the sector in the provincial budgets. Alberta and Ontario budgeted over $8 billion more on healthcare in 2026 compared to the previous year, with Ontario allocating $91.5 billion and Alberta $24 billion.
The report’s author, Desjardins deputy chief economist Randall Bartlett, highlighted that without this hiring, Canada’s job market would have remained relatively stagnant. The emphasis on healthcare employment contradicts claims of a strong Canadian economy.
Data from the Labour Force Survey reveals that since March 2025, nearly 133,000 healthcare and social assistance jobs were added nationwide, surpassing job growth in other sectors. Notably, hiring was most significant in hospitals and elderly care services.
Experts suggest that Alberta and Ontario are investing in expanding and supporting public healthcare through increased spending and job creation. However, concerns arise regarding whether this translates to tangible improvements in the healthcare system for patients.
Despite the growth in healthcare jobs, concerns persist about the impact on frontline patient care. Fiona Clement from the University of Calgary’s Centre for Health Policy pointed out that not all healthcare positions directly involve patient interaction.
The increased healthcare spending may also be compensating for previous slower hiring rates, with a portion allocated to wage increases for existing staff. Additionally, the provinces are likely preparing for upcoming demographic shifts, including the expected retirement of a significant number of healthcare professionals.
While rising healthcare spending is common as populations grow, experts caution that more spending and job creation do not always equate to better healthcare services. The distribution of new hires across regions and healthcare facilities can vary significantly, impacting service delivery and financial stability.
Looking ahead, Desjardins predicts sustained strong hiring trends in healthcare in the coming years, with Alberta projecting annual spending growth of four to five percent. The focus remains on delivering improved healthcare outcomes as a measure of the effectiveness of increased spending and job creation in the sector.