April 30, 2020 | Alex Ross
With retirement and out-migration coupled with an already ageing population, it is important now than ever to understand the occupations in which these shortages fall. This briefing note provides insight into current and potential future labour market shortages in Sault Ste. Marie, in order to provide a better understanding to decision makers, potential migrants and youth on the labour market situation in Northern communities. These insights are important to ensure that skills shortages are met, in-migrants move to the North for the right jobs, and so that Northern Ontario’s youth prepare themselves for careers that will allow them the option of remaining in their home cities after they graduate.
For the Sault Ste. Marie Census Agglomeration, this paper finds that multiple highly skilled positions have been identified as in need, both based on current labour market indicators and potential future retirements. In management, this includes managers in health care and customer service, as well as records management related occupations. Further, multiple health related occupations were also identified in Sault Ste. Marie, including optometrists, chiropractors, physicians and dentists.
Many business occupations were identified which may be experiencing current shortages. This included auditors, accountants and investment professionals, managers in financial and business services, human resources and business service professionals, retail and wholesale trade managers, and administrative service managers. Many of these occupations also form a relatively large proportion of the labour market and stood out when compared to the province.