A surge in hiring within the health-care systems of Alberta and Ontario has significantly boosted Canada’s overall job market. This growth appears to reflect the slower pace of the broader economy rather than directly improving patient care outcomes.
According to a recent analysis by Desjardins Group, the two provinces have collectively added over 100,000 health-care jobs in public institutions since the onset of the U.S. trade war. This trend aligns with increased budget allocations for the health sector in Alberta and Ontario.
Budget documents reveal that each province planned to invest more than $8 billion in health care in 2026 compared to the previous year. While Ontario earmarked $91.5 billion for health, Alberta allocated $24 billion.
Desjardins’ deputy chief economist, Randall Bartlett, emphasized that without this hiring spree, Canada’s job market would have remained stagnant, challenging claims of a robust economy. Data from the Labour Force Survey underscores that the health-care and social assistance sector saw the addition of nearly 133,000 jobs since March 2025, surpassing job growth in all other sectors combined.
The concentrated hiring in Alberta and Ontario reflects their commitment to bolstering public health care. However, experts caution that increased spending and job expansion in the health sector do not automatically translate to enhanced patient services.
Fiona Clement, from the Centre for Health Policy at the University of Calgary, highlighted that not all health-care jobs directly impact patient care. While the provinces are ramping up hiring to address potential workforce shortages due to retirements, the focus remains on ensuring sustainable and effective health services.
The rise in per capita health-care spending may not necessarily indicate substantial improvements in the system. Experts stress the importance of achieving better value and outcomes with efficient spending.
Looking ahead, Desjardins anticipates the hiring trend in the health-care sector to persist, with Alberta and Ontario projecting continued investment in health care. As demographic shifts and aging populations pose challenges, sustained spending on health care is expected to remain a priority for provincial governments.
Ultimately, the success of these hiring initiatives will be judged by the impact on patient care and overall health outcomes, signaling progress in the right direction for public spending in the health sector.