Canada’s tech workforce grew by a substantial figure during the Pandemic, data from CBRE’s 2023 Scoring Tech Talent report shows.
And despite a widespread movement toward working from home, most growth still orbits around the country’s major innovation hubs.
The annual report, which comprehensively analyzes Canada’s tech talent workforce trends, found that the nation’s workforce in tech-based occupations rose by more than 15% from 2020 through 2022—a gain of 150,000 workers.
Of course, 2022 was a year of layoffs, which halted momentum somewhat.
Even so, growth throughout Canadian tech remains; those laid off are often scooped up by a nearby growing firm, hiring data suggests. In a digital-forward world, tech skills are more demanded than ever.
Within Canada, the biggest market is Toronto, scoring 5th in North America (down from 3rd last year), CBRE’s report reveals. The city gained more than 63,000 tech roles since 2020.
The CBRE scorecard uses 13 metrics to measure each market’s depth, vitality, and attractiveness to companies seeking tech talent and to tech workers seeking employment. Each metric is weighted by relative importance to job creation and innovation.
The second biggest job creator was Montreal (ranked 4th overall in Canada behind Ottawa), adding just over 51,000 workers to its region.
Vancouver ranked second in Canada overall. The West Coast city once again scored the highest five-year tech job growth rate in the country at 69%.
The second highest expansion rate was beside BC in Alberta: Calgary experienced a 61% growth in tech talent.
According to CBRE, software engineers remain the most in-demand tech worker. Of course, there are plenty of other skills which can get one hired in and around tech.
For a taste of talent opportunities in Canadian tech, attend a Techtalent.ca Job Fair or visit our free Job Board.
