Plus, four key changes Ontarians can expect to see as they navigate their job-hunting journeys.
Ontario’s employment landscape is looking a little different in 2026, with key changes in place as of January 1 designed to increase transparency and equitability — but more on those below.
While these changes are a positive development for job seekers, the province’s employment landscape remains a tricky one to navigate due to stiff competition in a number of fields and a lack of hiring power amongst employers in general.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The Government of Canada keeps a database of 500 positions here in Ontario, and there are nine in particular that have been flagged as having “very good” future prospects as of Decem…
Plus, four key changes Ontarians can expect to see as they navigate their job-hunting journeys.
Ontario’s employment landscape is looking a little different in 2026, with key changes in place as of January 1 designed to increase transparency and equitability — but more on those below.
While these changes are a positive development for job seekers, the province’s employment landscape remains a tricky one to navigate due to stiff competition in a number of fields and a lack of hiring power amongst employers in general.
But it’s not all doom and gloom. The Government of Canada keeps a database of 500 positions here in Ontario, and there are nine in particular that have been flagged as having “very good” future prospects as of December 10, 2025.
The rating is informed by factors like looming retirements, a small proportion of unemployed workers with recent experience, and broader trends that point to future employment growth in each field. The database also provides information on skills you’ll need to succeed in the career path, and a breakdown on prospects by economic region.
Career paths with the best employment outlooks in Ontario
Property administrator
Trends affecting future employment: A large number of investment properties in Ontario, the need for new housing development to meet population growth, and strong non-residential construction activity.
Medical administrative assistant
Trends affecting future employment: Investments in new healthcare facilities and increasing use of technology to perform administrative tasks may moderate demand for this occupation
Optometrist
Trends affecting future employment: Strong demand for optometry services driven by population growth, insurance coverage, the need for eye care and vision correction services, and an aging population.
Registered nurse and registered psychiatric nurse
Trends affecting future employment: Increased demand for health-related services to support the growing and aging population, a backlog of medical procedures and patient care needs, and major investments in health care facilities.
Nurse practitioner
Trends affecting future employment: Increased demand for health-related services to support the growing and aging population, a backlog of medical procedures and patient care needs, and major investments in health care facilities.
Therapist in counselling and related specialized therapies
*Trends affecting future employment: Public sector investments in mental health-related services which will create job opportunities for therapists offering services for addiction treatment and prevention, and to children and youth. *
Utilities managers
*Trends affecting future employment: Positions are set to become available due to looming retirements, and there are a small proportion of unemployed workers with recent experience in this field. *
Manager in social, community and correctional services
*Trends affecting future employment: Positions are set to become available due to looming retirements, and there are a small proportion of unemployed workers with recent experience in this field. *
Accommodation service managers
*Trends affecting future employment: Positions are set to become available due to looming retirements, and there are a small proportion of unemployed workers with recent experience in this field. *
Key changes impacting job-seekers in 2026
*Companies with more than 25 employees are now required to disclose specific compensation or post salary ranges within a $50,000 margin in postings, the only exception being positions that have a top range of more than $200,000 annually; *
*e**mployers using artificial intelligence in the hiring process now have to disclose to job-seekers they’re doing so; *
a**pplicants that have interviewed for a job must be informed of the company’s decision within 45 days of their final interview;
and there’s no more tolerance for postings that ask for ‘Canadian experience’ to ensure Ontario’s job market remains equitable for newcomers.