Read article for a full list of the 10 biggest industries in Canada 2023 by employment including the number of people employed per industry.
What's Covered in This Article
1. Hospitals in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 651,335
The Hospitals industry in Canada, which includes medical and surgical hospitals, has exhibited stable growth over the five years to 2022.
Canada’s healthcare system is predominately public, with nearly three-quarters of funding coming from the public sector and the remainder from the private sector, according to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI).
Therefore, the industry is heavily reliant on both federal and provincial funding, which is mostly allocated via global budgets systems, where a fixed payment amount is allocated to a provider to cover operating expenses for a period of time.
2. Full-Service Restaurants in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 531,399
The industry is expected to expand as household dining habits return
The Full-Service Restaurants industry in Canada includes restaurants that provide food services to patrons who order and are served while seated (i.e. waiter or waitress service) and pay after eating.
These establishments may provide this type of food service to patrons in combination with selling alcoholic and other beverages.
The Full-Service Restaurants industry in Canada has experienced an expansion in performance over the five years to 2022, as the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic erased several years of steady growth, but a forecast strong recovery offset this trend.
3. Supermarkets & Grocery Stores in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 431,287
The Supermarkets and Grocery Stores industry in Canada has continued growing over the five years to 2022, despite the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic.
While rising levels of consumer spending and per capita disposable income provided an optimal business environment, the spread of supercentres has stifled industry revenue as it increased price competition and provided customers with a one-stop shopping experience.
Many consumers sought cost savings at grocery stores, stocking up on promotional items or trading down to private-label brands. In response, retailers expanded their private-label brands to appeal to these consumers.
4. Fast Food Restaurants in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 402,477
The industry comprises restaurants where patrons pay for quick service food products before eating. Purchases may be consumed on-site, taken out or delivered.
Gross revenue is derived from both franchised and company-owned stores.
Most of the industry’s establishments also sell beverages, such as water, juice and sodas, but usually not alcohol.
5. Colleges & Universities in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 321,838
6. IT Consulting in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 320,499
The IT Consulting industry in Canada is composed of companies that help private businesses and public sector agencies design, implement and manage information technology (IT) systems.
Demand for industry services is positively affected by growth in corporate profit and business sentiment.
As these drivers strengthen, companies increase expenditure on industry services.
Over the five years to 2022, there has been a significant degree of technological change due to the increasing prevalence of cloud-based services, mobile apps and other cutting-edge software.
7. Commercial Banking in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 278,186
Despite low interest rates and some hiccups in economic growth, the Commercial Banking industry in Canada has expanded over the five years to 2022.
Banks have done an exceptional job of diversifying revenue streams and overcoming limits imposed by low interest rates and increasing regulations.
The industry primarily generates revenue through interest income sources, such as business loans and mortgages, but it also generates income through noninterest sources, which include fees on a variety of services and commissions.
8. Engineering Services in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 195,828
The Engineering Services industry in Canada is expected to grow as a result of improved downstream demand from several key markets.
This industry provides consulting, design, feasibility studies and technical services for a variety of projects that require a deep understanding of the principles of engineering.
9. Janitorial Services in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 191,252
The Janitorial Services industry operators are largely dependent on the cleaning needs and budgets of downstream businesses and property owners, as most revenue stems from the commercial sector.
Furthermore, due to the cyclical nature of the industry, operators are typically affected by economic trends.
Common industry activities include cleaning residential buildings, offices, retail complexes, industrial buildings, healthcare facilities, educational facilities, government buildings and commercial aircraft.
10. Pharmacies & Drug Stores in Canada
Employment number for 2023: 187,025
Over the five years to 2022, the Pharmacies and Drug Stores industry in Canada has benefited from the fact that pharmaceuticals currently comprise one of the largest health expenditure categories in Canada.
The Pharmacies and Drug Stores industry in Canada retails a range of prescription and over-the-counter medications, health and beauty items, toiletries and consumable goods directly to consumers on a walk-in basis. Industry operators may also provide basic health and photo-processing services.
The industry includes retail stores with a pharmacy, but excludes mail order and online retailers, hospitals and clinics.
