Prairie Provinces Surge! 2025 Guide to Immigrant Jobs in Canada: Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina Claim Top Spots

Published Date: August 13, 2025

The latest employment data from Canada paints a new picture for newcomers seeking opportunities worldwide. According to the authoritative Labour Market Report Card issued by financial giant BMO on July 11, cities in Canada's Prairie provinces are becoming the new employment hotspots, with Saskatoon, Calgary, and Regina securing the top three positions on the list of best cities for new immigrants to find work.

Prairies Lead the Pack with Strong Job Prospects

The report shows that Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, has reclaimed the top spot, rising four places thanks to its outstanding employment growth and consistently declining unemployment rate. Calgary, Alberta's economic engine, made a remarkable leap of 13 places to rank second. Regina, the capital of Saskatchewan, also delivered a strong performance, climbing five spots to secure the third position.

The common thread among these three cities is their dynamic economies and a continuous creation of job opportunities, making them highly attractive destinations for new immigrants looking to launch their careers in Canada.

Ontario Sees "Dark Horses" Emerge Amidst a Divided Landscape

Ontario's cities presented a complex and varied picture in this report. The most notable "dark horse" was Sudbury, which skyrocketed an incredible 28 places to land at fourth nationwide. The report attributes this dramatic rise to a surge in both population growth and job creation.

Additionally, Kitchener moved up seven places to ninth, boasting the highest employment rate in the nation at 65.8%. Another "dark horse," St. Catharines, also soared 23 spots to enter the top ten.

However, not all cities in Ontario performed well. The traditional immigrant hub of Toronto ranked a modest 23rd, while the nation's capital, Ottawa, placed 13th. At the bottom of the rankings, Windsor and Peterborough struggled with high unemployment and low employment rates.

Atlantic Canada Shows Steady Progress, Offering More Options

For applicants considering pathways like the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP), the job market in the Atlantic provinces is also showing positive signals. St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, jumped an impressive 15 places to 11th, with significant improvements in both employment and unemployment figures.

Although Moncton, New Brunswick, slipped five places to sixth, it remains the top-ranked city in the Atlantic region, demonstrating the stability and continued appeal of its job market.

Quebec's Performance is Moderate, with Montreal on a Steady Rise

In Quebec, Montreal climbed eight spots to 14th place, showing positive signs of recovery. Saguenay and Quebec City were ranked 15th and 17th, respectively, indicating moderate labour market conditions overall.

Implications for Newcomers: Focus on Emerging Opportunities

This report clearly outlines the latest trends in Canada's labour market. For new and prospective immigrants, its findings offer crucial guidance:

Keep a Close Eye on the Prairies: Cities in Saskatchewan and Alberta are currently leading employment growth. Skilled workers with backgrounds in healthcare, trades, and technology may find a wealth of opportunities in these regions.
The Atlantic Provinces Show Great Potential: The rise of cities like St. John's and Moncton provides attractive alternatives for newcomers who prefer to avoid the larger metropolitan areas of Toronto and Vancouver.
Regional Selection Requires Greater Precision: While Ontario and Quebec remain major destinations for immigrants, their internal job markets show significant variation. Applicants should conduct more detailed regional research when choosing a place to settle, rather than focusing only on the province as a whole.

In summary, for future immigrants to Canada, closely tracking these labour market dynamics will be key to making successful career and settlement decisions. Emerging employment hubs like Saskatoon and Calgary are opening their arms to global talent with their strong growth momentum.