Economic Uncertainty and High Cost of Living Causing Anxiety for Canadian Job Seekers

This section is Partnership Content suppliedThe content in this section is supplied by GlobeNewswire for the purposes of distributing press releases on behalf of its clients. Postmedia has not reviewed the content. by GlobeNewswire Job Seeker Outlook GNWArticle contentRising cost of living is influencing 89% of job seekers’ decisions to pursue new workSign In or Create an AccountEmail AddressContinueor View more offersArticle contentTORONTO, July 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Finding a job feels difficult for many Canadians in the market for work, especially when the right role must match their qualifications, pay needs and long-term goals, according to a new Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.

Article contentWe apologize, but this video has failed to load.Try refreshing your browser, ortap here to see other videos from our team.Article contentArticle contentMore than one-third of Canadian job seekers (35%) say they are actively looking for a new job, while 65% browse for jobs more casually.

Most job seekers (80%) are focused on finding full-time positions, but 43% are open to accepting part-time opportunities. These figures are similar to the fall of 2025. Article contentTop StoriesGet the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.

There was an error, please provide a valid email address.Sign UpBy signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.Thanks for signing up!

A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.

We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try againInterested in more newsletters? Browse here.

Article contentMore than three-quarters of job seekers (75%) say it will be difficult to find a job in the next six months. Article contentPay, Fit and Competition Top the List The survey breaks down where job seekers are feeling the most pressure: Article contentFinding opportunities that match their qualifications: 56% Finding a job with enough pay to cover basic expenses: 45% Standing out in a competitive job market: 50% Balancing job searching with other responsibilities (e.g.

, caregiving, education): 36% Navigating automated hiring processes instead of feeling heard by people: 35% Article contentThe experience can also feel uncertain. One-third of job seekers (32%) say companies that claim to be hiring but only collect resumes make it harder to find their next opportunity. Others say their experience does not align cleanly with available roles, with 27% citing overqualification as a barrier and 26% citing underqualification.

Article contentArticle contentCurrent Job Worries Are Also Driving the Search Among employed job seekers, concerns about pay, job security and the economy remain top of mind. Article contentTheir biggest fears about their current job include: Article contentNot getting the salary increase or raise they deserve: 37% Their company reducing the workforce due to the economic climate: 34% A slowdown in work opportunities because of the economy: 30% Technology or AI negatively impacting their role: 25% Article contentHowever, uncertainty isn’t the only reason employed job seekers are exploring other options. Many are motivated by quality-of-work factors, with 46% hoping to find or negotiate better compensation, 38% seeking better work-life balance and 36% looking for stronger growth opportunities in their current industry.

Article contentRising costs are also part of the equation, with more than 9 in 10 job seekers (92%) saying increasing prices have had at least some impact on their decision to pursue new employment. For 71%, that impact is moderate or large. Article content“The job search may feel difficult, but that does not mean the market is standing still,” said Bob Funk Jr.

, CEO, president and chairman of Express Employment International. “Job seekers are being more intentional about what they want, and employers should be just as intentional about what they offer. Clear expectations, realistic qualifications and strong communication can help turn a challenging search into the right match.”

Advertisement 1This advertisement has not loaded yet.Trending Posthaste: Brace yourself, we're about to be hit by what could be the mother of all supply shocks News Baby boomers are trying to unload their stuff. Does anybody want it?

Personal Finance Advertisement 1Story continues belowThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Opinion: Canada has its own Strait of Hormuz FP Comment Bank of Canada would cut rates if not for Iran war, says Benjamin Tal Economy The two-stage TFSA and RRSP tax arbitrage savings strategy that works for fast-growth incomes Taxes Advertisement 2AdvertisementThis advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.Article contentDiscover more research and real-world workforce trends from the Canada Employed series at ExpressPros.

ca/Newsroom. Article contentSurvey Methodology Th