Much of the last year and change in tech has been marked by layoffs. Amidst an uncertain global economy and the threat of AI upending every aspect of life as we know it, many tech companies that overreached during the Covid Pandemic or cryptocurrency bull run have since been humbled—from fledging local startups with limited reserves to some of the biggest tech titans on earth in Amazon and Meta.
Still, this is tech—wherever there is a downside there is also an opportunity. Skilled pros (especially software engineers) have had little trouble recovering their career.
Why? Because for all the doom and gloom, companies across Canada are still actively hiring.
Let’s highlight some of the firms who have signalled their intent to expand through Canada’s top-rated tech talent in 2023.
One Thousand Jobs
Global tech consulting firm Infosys recently announced the opening of a new subsidiary, Infosys Public Services Canada.
Headquartered in Ottawa with regional offices in Mississauga, Calgary, and Burnaby, IPS Canada will accelerate digital transformation for public sector organizations across the country, including federal departments, provincial ministries, municipalities, and crown corporations.
The IPS Canada announcement is the latest development in a series of investments made by Infosys which has expanded its employee count to over 7,000 with a commitment to increase to 8,000 employees by 2024.
Infosys Public Services’ Canadian significant expansion marks the next phase of its decade-plus presence in the country and is the logical next step for the company given its growth in Canada and the evolving government security standards and regulation.
IPS Canada said it will work with local universities and technical colleges to recruit talent.
Hiring with Purpose
Headquartered in Calgary, PurposeMed was founded on the belief that virtual care can level the healthcare playing field, ensuring equal access to quality services irrespective of social status, income, ethnicity, sex, or ability. The startup aims to address disparities, leveraging technology to deliver “affirming care” without judgement, long wait times, or uncomfortable conversations.
PurposeMed’s approach is multi-pronged: they empower clinicians, automate low-value tasks, and devise care pathways. Services deliver improved outcomes for patients by blending the proficiency of specialist clinicians with design and technology, according to the company. Pharmacy delivery services integrate with the public healthcare system serve to provide a holistic healthcare experience.
The health-tech upstart operates multiple brands addressing different areas of concern. Freddie is Canada’s largest HIV prevention service, for example, while Frida diagnoses and and treats adult ADHD. The Foria Clinic offers “gender-affirming care from the comfort of your home.”
A Team True North player, PurposeMed is contributing to Canada’s healthcare system through tech and to Alberta’s innovation ecosystem through sustained growth.
The expanding firm was hiring at July’s Tech Talent Canada Job Fair.
Solar Job Generation
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources this month announced federal investments valued at $160 million for nine solar power projects.
This initiative is expected to generate hundreds of jobs, bolster the production of clean solar power, and add up to 163 megawatts of new solar energy along with additional battery storage capacity.
The collective impact of these projects will stimulate economic growth, offer clean energy to communities, and reduce emissions (equal to removing 47,000 gas vehicles from the roads annually), according to a statement from the federal government.
“We are investing over $160 million in job-creating solar energy projects, which will contribute 163 megawatts of new power generation,” the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson stated. “The Government of Canada is helping to unlock the economic potential of our clean technologies as we advance toward a prosperous net-zero future.”
A total of 1,500 jobs are anticipated.
Moviemaking in Montreal
VFX and animation company Sony Pictures Imageworks this summer expanded its presence to Montreal.
With the company’s head office remaining in Vancouver, the expansion into Montreal will initially see an additional 150 new employees based at the new location.
Imageworks employs 1,000 employees across Vancouver and Los Angeles offices.
“The growing VFX and animation industry coupled with the established talent base makes Montreal the perfect location for expansion and will allow Imageworks to continue to execute the diverse creative visions of our clients,” stated EVP Michelle Grady.
The new office will be located in a permanent state-of-the-art space in the Old Montreal area. The studio is recruiting for multiple roles including production professionals, artists, and technology experts.
Imageworks’ recent work incudes Marvel Studios’ Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Ant-Man And The Wasp: Quantumania, and Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse.
Going Nuclear in Alberta
A Canadian technology company dedicated to delivering reliable and emission-free nuclear energy is investing $18 million to expand its operations into Alberta by establishing an engineering and development office in Calgary.
Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Ontario, Terrestrial Energy works to commission zero-emissions heat and power plants for industrial consumers.
The Canadian firm worked with both Calgary Economic Development and Invest Alberta to manage its expansion to Alberta.
Terrestrial Energy said it was attracted to Calgary for its leadership in the energy sector, access to a large industrial base, high number of international head offices, and business-friendly environment.
Terrestrial secured space for its Western Canadian operation in Suncor Energy Centre, which consists of two granite-and-glass office skyscrapers situated in downtown Calgary.
The growing company intends to create 29 jobs in Alberta over the next two years through its regional expansion. Terrestrial is “actively recruiting regional talent to fill positions to support its Alberta-based commercial operation ambitions,” according to a statement issued by the firm.
