Employers split on hiring plans

B.C., Manitoba show strongest optimism for 2012: Survey

When it comes to adding new employees in 2012, Canadian businesses are split, according to a BMO Bank of Montreal survey.

Almost one-half (46 per cent) plan to hire new employees this year, while 51 per cent do not have plans to add additional staff this calendar year, found the BMO Hiring Intentions Survey.

"While Canadian companies continue to remain cautiously optimistic, we are seeing a willingness to make deliberate and targeted investments to grow their business," said Cathy Pin, vice-president of commercial banking at BMO Bank of Montreal.

Seventy per cent of businesses are looking for post-secondary education when they are hiring. One-third of the 500 respondents surveyed are seeking job applicants with specialized educational backgrounds.

By sector, businesses in the oil and gas, mining and construction sectors most strongly looked for other specialized post-secondary education at 40 per cent.

"Canada held on to the hefty job increases in the spring and even added to the totals despite the gathering uncertainty on the global economy," said Doug Porter, deputy chief economist at BMO Capital Markets. "While this result will not move the dial on Bank of Canada expectations, it does suggest that the overall labour market remains relatively healthy."

Canadian business plans to hire in 2012

Plan to hire

National

B.C.

Alberta

Manitoba

Saskatchewan

Ontario

Quebec

Atlantic

Yes

46%

55%

44%

55%

33%

44%

47%

40%

No

51%

45%

50%

36%

60%

53%

49%

60%

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