Notice of release

Québec, February 23, 2023. – The labour market bounced back in 2021, after the shockwave caused by the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although the rebound was observed across the province, its extent varied considerably from one regional county municipality (RCM) to another. At the provincial level, the number of workers aged 25 to 64 rose by 4.3% in 2021. This is the largest increase since these data have been available (2002), and it partly offset the 5.9% drop observed in 2020.

The number of workers was up in all of Québec’s RCMs in 2021. The increases were particularly strong in certain RCMs in the regions of Laurentides (Les Pays-d’en-Haut in particular), Lanaudière (Montcalm), and Estrie (Brome-Missisquoi), where the number of workers grew by more than 8% between 2020 and 2021. These results come from the bulletin Évolution du marché du travail dans les MRC – Bilan de l’année 2021 released today by the Institut de la statistique du Québec.

 

Number of workers back to pre-pandemic level in less than half RCMs

The number of workers reached or exceeded 2019 levels in 41 out of the 104 RCMs in the province. These RCMs are mainly distributed around Montréal, Québec and Gatineau, but are not directly adjacent to these urban centres. This was also observed in three of the six RCMs of Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

In contrast, in about sixty RCMs, including the main urban centres, the number of workers increased, but not enough to reach the levels observed in 2019, before the pandemic.

Number of workers back to pre-pandemic level in less than half RCMs

The number of workers reached or exceeded 2019 levels in 41 out of the 104 RCMs in the province. These RCMs are mainly distributed around Montréal, Québec and Gatineau, but are not directly adjacent to these urban centres. This was also observed in three of the six RCMs of Gaspésie–Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

In contrast, in about sixty RCMs, including the main urban centres, the number of workers increased, but not enough to reach the levels observed in 2019, before the pandemic.

Ratio of the number of workers aged 25 to 64 in 2021 to that number in 2019, Québec RCMs

Sources
Institut de la statistique du Québec, using Revenu Québec’s personal tax data (data on the number of workers).
Ministère de l’Énergie et des Ressources naturelles, Système sur les découpages administratifs (administrative boundaries).

Employment income up sharply in 2021

After growing only slightly in 2020, the median employment income of those aged 25-64 surged by 9.0% to $49,788 in 2021 in the province, an unprecedented increase since these data have been compiled.

In 48 RCMs, the increase exceeded the provincial average, and in 27 RCMs, it was above 10%. The Golfe-du-Saint-Laurent RCM in Côte-Nord is the one where employment income rose the most, by 18.3%.

The RCMs with the highest median employment incomes in 2021 are distributed around Montréal, Gatineau and Québec, as well as in regions whose economy is based on mining.   

On the other hand, several RCMs in the Gaspé Peninsula, as well as the northernmost RCMs of the Outaouais, Laurentides and Lanaudière regions, are among those with the lowest incomes.

Dynamic tables by RCM

Detailed statistics on the number and rate of workers as well as on the median employment income of 25-64 year-olds in the 104 RCMs in Québec are also available on the website of the Institut de la statistique du Québec.

 

---

The Institut de la statistique produces, analyzes and disseminates official, objective and quality statistical information on various aspects of Québec society. It is responsible for conducting all statistical surveys of general interest. The relevance of its work makes it a strategic ally for decision-makers and all those wishing to learn more about Québec.

Media relations
Information and Documentation Centre
Phone: 418-691-2401
or 1-800-463-4090 (toll-free in Canada and the United States)
E-mail: cid@stat.gouv.qc.ca