In October 2024, Statistics Canada's consultative engagement team held consultations to gather feedback on the themes covered by the Labour Force Survey (LFS) supplements program. Participants included analysts from federal and provincial governments, as well as academic researchers. Feedback was collected verbally and in writing and is summarized below by theme.
What we heard from stakeholders on the various themes
Skills and Training
Stakeholders, particularly representatives from the provinces, emphasized the importance of data on skills development, skill use, and skills matches. This included the integration of immigrants in the labour market and work experience gained by students. Participants requested more frequent data collection on training participation as well as more specific information on the distinction between "compliance training" and upskilling. There was also interest in measuring the types of tasks done within different occupations and the development of skills relating to the use of artificial intelligence.
Immigrant Labour Market Integration
Strong interest was expressed in data on immigrant labour market integration and productivity. Some participants requested more frequent collection, ideally quarterly, with breakdowns by immigrant class and non-permanent residents (NPRs). Concerns were raised about the quality of existing information, especially on intended occupations of immigrants and credential recognition.
Retirement Patterns
Participants, particularly those from the territories, sought better insight into retirement decisions, transitions, and the ambiguity surrounding retirement status. Requests included more detailed data by jurisdiction.
Gig Work and New Employment Forms
Stakeholders noted the need for more frequent data on gig work, self-employment stability, and digital platform employment. They were also interested in transitions between jobs, job mobility, and the diversity of self-employment and business ownership.
Work Location and Commuting
Federal stakeholders highlighted hybrid work and flexible work arrangements as priority areas. Commuting was viewed as less central to labour supply and productivity. Suggestions included merging work location and commuting themes and examining links between telework and commuting.
Demographics and Equity
Participants called for more detailed demographic data, including sexual orientation, neurodiversity, disability types, and intersectional measures. They also requested more regional detail, particularly distinctions between rural and urban areas.
Job Satisfaction and Financial Security
Stakeholders emphasized the value of data on job satisfaction, financial hardship, and debt repayment capacity. A dedicated supplement on financial security, wealth, and spending was suggested.
Multiple Jobholding
There was strong interest in exploring the reasons for multiple jobholding, with calls for more frequent collection and detailed information on secondary jobs. Participants also wanted to examine links between improved household financial capability and transitions out of multiple jobholding.
Training and Employer Investment
Participants noted a lack of information on barriers to accessing training and wanted clearer distinctions between formal and informal training. This was related to concerns about low employer investment in training and potential misallocation of resources.
Technology and AI
Stakeholders requested broader and more frequent data on emerging technologies, including AI. They wanted to understand how AI is used, its impact on job quality, and how it compares with traditional automation.
Other Themes
Additional areas of interest included:
- Career transitions and green jobs
- Interprovincial migration and mobility
- Workplace injuries, including separate measures for physical and mental health
- Work–family spillover and flexible work arrangements
- Student work experience and school-to-work transitions
- Reservation wages and job acceptance factors
Results
Statistics Canada expresses its gratitude to all participants for their valuable contributions to this consultative engagement. Their insights and experiences will play a key role in shaping timely and relevant data products and strategies that effectively meet the needs of data users.