The effects of COVID-19 have been deep and uneven
All Canadians are affected by COVID-19, but workers in some industries have fared much worse than others.
The biggest job losses have been in service industries where physical distancing is hardest, such as accommodation, food services, arts, entertainment and recreation. And the workers in those industries—mostly women and youth—tend to be low-income earners.
The second wave of the virus further hurt women and youth. Both groups have seen their share of the long-term unemployed—people out of work for at least 26 weeks—rise more quickly than others have.
As more people are vaccinated and normal life returns, the Canadian economy will strengthen. But a complete recovery in the labour market will take a long time.