06/19/2026
James Baker is back with another seasonal labour market update for spring and summer.
So, what’s happening in Ottawa’s job market right now?
Overall, things are ok, but there are definitely shifts happening.
Between changes in the federal government, retirements across both the public and private sectors, and new graduates entering the workforce, the market feels balanced, but cautious.
One trend he’s seeing more frequently? Organizations consolidating roles. In many cases, what was once two or three positions is now being combined into one, or a retired employee is being replaced strategically rather than expanding headcount.
Looking ahead, he believes we’ll continue to see middle management roles evolve, and in some cases disappear, as organizations lean further into technology, automation, and operational efficiency.
That may mean unemployment edges above the 7% mark, which would signal some continued challenges for our local market. But while there may be short-term uncertainty, He believes there’s still long-term opportunity ahead for organizations and job seekers willing to adapt.
Ottawa has weathered change before, and there’s reason to believe stronger growth and renewed momentum are on the horizon.
