How COVID-19 Affected Occupations in Saskatchewan

In November 2020 the Government of Canada published employment outlooks for each province in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting jobs affected by COVID-19 and community health and safety measures as well as jobs likely to recover as the economy does. This is a summary of the report’s findings for the province of Saskatchewan:

Occupations Impacted by COVID-19

Cook (NOC code 6322); food and beverage server (NOC code 6513)

These two professions were severely affected by both health measures and travel restrictions beginning in March 2020. Some were laid off temporarily while others had positions eliminated as some businesses closed for good. Cooks in certain facilities were able to prepare food for takeout or delivery as some restrictions eased.  Employment for cooks was 17% lower in April 2020 when compared to April 2019. However, employment levels on average in 2020 trended higher year-over-year. For food and beverage servers the downturn was more severe: 75% lower in April 2020 compared to April 2019. As with cooks, however, the average employment levels for servers did trend higher. As some venues reopen with new guidelines, hiring has taken place for both occupations. In spite of this there is no clear outlook for the future in terms of demand for these occupations.

Home support workers, housekeepers, and related occupations (NOC code 4412)

Employment for this profession was largely unaffected compared to other occupations, due mainly to the essential nature of the workers. The first part of the pandemic did result in some reduced demand due to social distancing protocols, and there was increased stress on these and other essential workers because of the possibility of transmission from clients. There is likely to be some increase in demand for these workers but there is still some uncertainty about the overall job outlook in the near future.

General office support workers (NOC code 1411)

There was a decrease in demand for these workers following the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic as offices were closed to in-person attendance. Some office support workers were able to work remotely, but there was still an overall decline of 27% between April 2019 and April 2020. Establishments embracing remote work may affect the future prospects for these workers, particularly those suited to an office setting rather than working remotely. The future outlook for this occupation is dependent on employers and their decision to either remain open, reopen, or keep remote work as an option.

Occupations Recovering from COVID-19 Effects and Restrictions

Real estate agents and salespersons (NOC code 6232)

In Saskatchewan, this occupation was largely unaffected by the pandemic, aside from health and safety protocols that made changes like virtual viewings more common. The report referred to the province’s housing market as having “surprising resilience”, and an increase in residential sales may be on the horizon. Also contributing to the resilience of this occupation is its self-directed approach, as many real estate agents and salespersons are able to control their workload and set their own hours.

Transport truck drivers (NOC code 7511)

Though many people may not realize it, transport truck drivers were essential to the supply chain during the pandemic, even as restrictions were put in place. Employment for this occupation was 8% higher in April 2020 compared to April of the previous year. However, average employment levels for this occupation in 2020 trended lower year-over-year. In Saskatchewan and other provinces, there remains a shortage of transport truck drivers, and this occupation is likely to be in demand even after COVID-19 restrictions are eased.

Registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses (NOC code 3012)

Employment for registered nurses and registered psychiatric nurses in Saskatchewan did not decline initially as the pandemic began but has been affected overall. There was 33% higher employment in April 2020 compared to the previous year. Demand for nurses, particularly registered nurses, has been strong throughout 2020 and 2021, due to the occupation’s key role in diagnosing and caring for COVID-19 patients. Demand has been high and continues to increase as some leave the profession due to stress and burnout. According to the report, in March 2020 the Saskatchewan Registered Nurses’ Association encouraged retired and graduating nurses to obtain an emergency practicing license in response to the demand for registered nurses.

To request information about immigration to Saskatchewan, please click here.