Finding Jobs for People, and People for Jobs: Building a Labour Market Information System to Facilitate Job Matching

This study explores ways to support job matching in Canada. Many individuals experience difficulty in finding work related to their skills and training; likewise many Canadian employers are experiencing difficulty finding skilled workers. This mismatch is attributed to an inadequate labour market information system. An examination of three jurisdictions is used to identify the specific inadequacies that hinder job matching in Canada. To address these inadequacies, three policy options are assessed on their ability to meet four criteria. Results indicate that a comprehensive survey on job vacancies and career information seminars in secondary schools can help mitigate the mismatch in the labour market. I recommend immediately implementing a new job vacancy survey and career information seminars in secondary schools. The government should also give future consideration for establishing an independent agency responsible for labour market information.