The Canadian trade sector, encompassing both wholesale trade and retail trade, has been a cornerstone of employment in the country. From 2.26 million employees in 2001 to a peak of 2.85 million in 2023, the sector has evolved alongside consumer trends, technological advancements, and economic cycles.
Wholesale Trade Employment Trends
In 2001, wholesale trade employment stood at 720,819, gradually increasing to 824,765 in 2023. Despite some fluctuations, the wholesale segment consistently contributed over 700,000 jobs annually, reflecting the sector’s importance in supply chain operations, logistics, and product distribution across Canada.
Retail Trade Employment Trends
The retail trade sector, starting at 1.54 million employees in 2001, expanded to a high of 2.02 million in 2023. Retail employment has been sensitive to consumer spending patterns, e-commerce growth, and economic downturns, such as the 2020 drop during the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw employment dip to 1.83 million.
Total Trade Sector Workforce
The total trade sector employment reached its peak in 2023 with 2,848,225 workers, reflecting sustained demand for both wholesale and retail services. However, 2024 saw a slight decline to 2,826,918 employees, a modest 1% drop, possibly due to automation, changing consumer behavior, and market saturation.
Key Highlights:
- Peak Employment: 2023 marked the highest employment in the trade sector at 2.85 million workers.
- COVID-19 Impact: In 2020, trade sector jobs fell by 8% due to pandemic restrictions.
- Recovery: Post-pandemic years witnessed strong recovery, especially in 2021 (+5%) and 2022 (+3%).
Number of People Employed in Trade Sector in Canada (2001-2024)
| Year | Wholesale trade | Retail trade | Total Employees Working in Trade Sector | Growth YoY |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2001 | 720,819 | 1,542,345 | 2,263,164 | |
| 2002 | 721,039 | 1,602,646 | 2,323,685 | 3% |
| 2003 | 732,724 | 1,664,386 | 2,397,110 | 3% |
| 2004 | 729,347 | 1,695,089 | 2,424,436 | 1% |
| 2005 | 727,962 | 1,732,023 | 2,459,985 | 1% |
| 2006 | 739,202 | 1,780,086 | 2,519,288 | 2% |
| 2007 | 758,187 | 1,848,362 | 2,606,550 | 3% |
| 2008 | 759,513 | 1,909,096 | 2,668,609 | 2% |
| 2009 | 732,816 | 1,880,307 | 2,613,122 | -2% |
| 2010 | 731,985 | 1,871,903 | 2,603,888 | 0% |
| 2011 | 746,095 | 1,872,134 | 2,618,229 | 1% |
| 2012 | 758,276 | 1,889,003 | 2,647,279 | 1% |
| 2013 | 767,912 | 1,910,561 | 2,678,474 | 1% |
| 2014 | 783,014 | 1,929,430 | 2,712,444 | 1% |
| 2015 | 788,344 | 1,932,759 | 2,721,103 | 0% |
| 2016 | 780,206 | 1,946,190 | 2,726,395 | 0% |
| 2017 | 785,400 | 1,963,152 | 2,748,552 | 1% |
| 2018 | 806,887 | 1,970,559 | 2,777,446 | 1% |
| 2019 | 824,175 | 1,995,326 | 2,819,500 | 2% |
| 2020 | 772,104 | 1,834,182 | 2,606,286 | -8% |
| 2021 | 792,882 | 1,939,835 | 2,732,717 | 5% |
| 2022 | 817,814 | 2,005,160 | 2,822,973 | 3% |
| 2023 | 824,765 | 2,023,460 | 2,848,225 | 1% |
| 2024 | 823,089 | 2,003,829 | 2,826,918 | -1% |
Source:
Statistics Canada. Table 14-10-0202-01 Employment by industry, annual
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