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Canada Tariff Finder

January 24, 2025 12:25 pm Leave a Comment

As imports and exports change rapidly, Durham Region businesses will find this Tariff Finder resource a great place to find information. The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) found this tool that can assist Durham businesses with tariff information.

The Canada Tariff Finder enables Canadian businesses to check import or export tariffs for specific goods and markets, with a focus on countries with which Canada has a Free Trade Agreement (FTA). It provides up-to-date custom tariff information for these countries. It gives the current tariff rate for the specific goods being searched and for later years.

The tool can help local businesses compare tariffs between products or countries to find options.

The tool can also compare tariffs for up to three countries or products. It simplifies this search by suggesting products that match the keyword(s) or Harmonized System (HS) code entered.

As things change quickly, this is an essential tool for Durham businesses to get accurate, up-to-date information.

The Canada Tariff Finder results from collaboration between the Business Development of Canada (BDC), Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada.

About the DWA:

The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. Next month, the DWA will release its annual Labour Market Plan (LMP).

The plan focuses on the following:

Durham Region demographics change, migration trends in and out, educational attainment of residents, and changes in employers in the local area by employee size and 3-digit NAICs.
Enhanced Jobs First Durham (JFD) data was extracted from the DWA’s boutique job board using hyper-local information.
An update on Employment Ontario data.

The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the DWA.

The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.

Written by: Heather McMillan, Executive Director, Durham Workforce Authority

Heather’s expertise is developing strong local community labour markets and conducting industry research supported by innovative projects. Heather is a Toronto Sector Skills Academy Metcalf Fellow and was recently awarded her Certified Workforce Development Professional (CWDP) certification from the National Association of Workforce Development Professionals.

American Tariffs and Durham Labour Market Impacts

January 20, 2025 12:00 pm Leave a Comment

In November, when United States President Donald Trump announced his intentions to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States, the Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) took notice. Recently, Ontario Premier Doug Ford said these tariffs could affect Ontario’s employment, costing about 500,000 jobs. In a recent article, Andreas Schotter, Professor of International Business at the Ivey Business School, similarly stated, “The numbers are stark. A 10 percent tariff scenario would trigger an estimated 2.4 percentage point contraction in the Canadian GDP over two years, putting approximately 500,000 jobs across various sectors at risk.” (Ivey Communications, 2025)

Depending on several factors – tariff amounts of either 10 or 25 percent, tariff length of several months or years, and finally, sectors – the impact on the labour market could be significant. Given Durham Region’s heavily integrated auto manufacturing supply chain as well as its energy, plastic manufacturing and consumer goods/wholesale trade sectors, the proposed tariffs would impact Durham’s labour market.

When Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey released the December unemployment numbers, economists weighed in on the national unemployment rate, which was better than expected. Nationally, Canadian employment jumped 91,000 jobs in December — the most significant increase in almost two years — and with firm underlying details including a lower unemployment rate. (RBC Economics, 2025)

Durham Region’s unemployment rate — the DWA uses Oshawa CMA’s (Census Metropolitan Area; includes Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington) — has steadily decreased since a high of 8.5 percent in August. In January 2024, Oshawa’s CMA unemployment rate was lower than national and provincial unemployment rates, just over one percent higher than the national unemployment rate in December 2024. Overall, Oshawa CMA’s unemployment rate is higher than a year ago and subject to labour market shocks from external forces.

Unemployment Rate by Month, Canada, Ontario, Oshawa CMA, Both Sexes, 15 yrs and older

	Canada	Ontario	Oshawa CMA
Month	Percentage	Percentage	Percentage
Jan-24	6.1	6.3	5.5
Feb-24	6.0	6.5	5.2
Mar-24	6.4	7.0	5.1
Apr-24	6.2	6.7	5.4
May-24	6.3	7.1	5.4
Jun-24	6.2	6.9	6.1
Jul-24	6.8	7.4	6.8
Aug-24	7.5	8.3	8.5
Sep-24	6.0	6.7	8.5
Oct-24	5.9	6.4	8.7
Nov-24	6.5	7.2	7.8
Dec-24	6.2	6.8	7.5

Source: Statistics Canada, Table 14-10-0017-01, Table 14-10-0378-01

Tariff Targets, Sectors and Employment

It is expected that the Trump administration will levy tariffs in the following sectors:

Auto parts manufacturing
Energy
Chemical and plastic manufacturing
Metals
Consumer goods
Machinery sectors

All these sectors are important to the Durham Region. However, the auto parts sector is particularly concerning as it has a heavily integrated supply chain with the United States. Tariffs would impact employment and the final cost of vehicles potentially pushing down manufacturing employment and knock-on effects in automotive sales occupations.

The following chart shows the employment by industry in Oshawa CMA:

Employment by industry, Oshawa CMA, annual (x 1,000), January 10, 2025

Source: Statistics Canada, Table 14-10-0384-01

Uncertainty is the Forecast

The greatest challenge is planning for and living in uncertainty. The previous Trump administration was unpredictable and his new administration promises much the same. Uncertainty can reduce business investments and consumer spending leading to economic downturns. Tariff uncertainty can affect forecasting and planning. (Cleroux, 2024)

Economists fear manufacturing layoffs and the potential for a recession. What is uncertain is the depth and length of a recession. Given a proposed 25 percent across-the-board tariff, the spectre of recession harkens back to the great recession of 2008 when unemployment hit double digits. The uncertainty can result in reduced investments in innovation, infrastructure, and staffing, which cycles back to Canada’s ongoing productivity challenges on a global stage.

BDO Economics shared this chart of provincial exposure to U.S. Exports. It shows all provinces’ [tariffs] exposure. Ontario has strong exposure to motor vehicle parts and consumer goods. (Douglas Porter, 2024)

Provincial Exposure to US Exports

Sector Job Losses

The Trump administration has threatened 10 to 25 percent tariffs. The 25 percent [tariff] scenario could triple Canada’s job losses to 1.5 million positions. This would also cause severe supply chain disruption, permanent structural changes, and a GDP contraction exceeding 2.4 percent. This would require aggressive monetary policy intervention which in turn would raise Canadians’ inflation rates. (Ivey Communications, 2025)

In 2023, Ontario’s exports totalled $226 billion, representing over one-fifth of the provincial economy. More than three-quarters of Ontario’s international trade is with the U.S. Trade with the U.S. represents 39 percent of the provincial economy. (Eisen, 2025)

The chart below shows the concentration of employment by occupation in the Oshawa CMA. The tariffs could impact several local occupations: logistics, machine operators, process operators in manufacturing, and occupations in wholesale and retail trade.

Employment by occupation, Oshawa CMA

Source: Statistics Canada: Table: 14-10-0430-01

Where Do We Go from Here

As the Trump administration takes office, the DWA will track the tariff impacts on Durham’s clusters and economic sectors. The DWA creates an annual plan supplying helpful information for community planning. Next month, the DWA will release its annual Labour Market Plan (LMP).

The plan focuses on the following:

Durham Region demographics change, migration trends in and out, educational attainment of residents, and changes in employers in the local area by employee size and 3-digit NAICs.
Enhanced Jobs First Durham (JFD) data extracted from the DWA’s boutique job board with hyper-local information.
An update on Employment Ontario data.

The LMP report draws on data from:

Statistics Canada data, Labour Force Survey
DWA Custom Data Purchases from Statistics Canada and other sources
Persons with Disabilities Survey
2SLGBTQI+ Survey
Jobs First Durham
Employment Ontario

The DWA provides just-in-time custom labour market information and often conducts custom fee-for-service research. If you are interested in local data, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the DWA.

The Province of Ontario partially funds the DWA to supply Labour Market Information (LMI) to the Region of Durham.

Written by: Heather McMillan, Executive Director, Durham Workforce Authority

Navigating Opportunities in 2025 – Durham Region’s Labour Market Outlook

January 9, 2025 1:34 pm Leave a Comment

With the dawn of 2025, Durham Region’s labour market is poised to build on the successes of the past year while tackling emerging challenges. The region’s focus on innovation and adaptability will be essential in navigating a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Healthcare and education are expected to remain central pillars of growth, with demand for skilled professionals such as registered nurses, educators, and administrators projected to rise further. Investments in training and development will be key to meeting these demands and ensuring a steady supply of qualified talent. Additionally, the professional services and utilities sectors will likely continue their upward trajectory, driven by competitive wages and strong demand for specialized skills.

One of the critical priorities for 2025 will be addressing persistent disparities in wages and opportunities across sectors. While average wages have increased, sectors such as retail and manufacturing still lag, highlighting the need for targeted policies to promote equitable growth. Encouragingly, the focus on full-time and permanent roles aligns with job seeker preferences, indicating progress in matching supply with demand.

Job seekers are expected to maintain high engagement with job search platforms, building on the record interactions seen in 2024. However, better awareness of growth sectors and promoting transferable skills will be essential in guiding individuals toward high-demand roles. The continued emphasis on foundational skills such as communication, customer service, and adaptability will remain critical in preparing the workforce for future opportunities.

As Durham Region embarks on 2025, collaboration and innovation will be the cornerstones of success. By fostering an inclusive, adaptable, and forward-looking labour market, the region can position itself as a leader in economic resilience and workforce development. With a shared commitment to growth and opportunity, Durham is ready to face the challenges and seize the opportunities that lie ahead.

Call for Nominations for the DWA Board of Directors

January 6, 2025 2:11 pm Leave a Comment

Call for Board Nominations

The DWA focuses on labour market research and workforce development initiatives in Durham Region.

Board Member Recruitment and Selection

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) is a non-profit organization governed by a community-representative Board of Directors. The board meets quarterly, and Directors are asked to serve on one committee, volunteering their time and expertise on workforce development issues. Each Director is expected to be a liaison between the community and the Board. Typically, the meetings are held online. As a “consensus” decision-making Board, we encourage open dialogue from all Directors.

The Durham Workforce Authority (DWA) is a community-based not for profit. We work hard to convene the voices of the sectors, ensure good stewardship of public funds and to provide reliable research focused on local labour market information (LMI).

The DWA works with community stakeholders from business, labour, education and training, community services and municipal, provincial and federal governments. As you can appreciate, over twenty years of being a reliable partner in the local community has resulted in some very deep ties with our many community partners and the DWA is seen as a key link in those partnerships in our region.

Volunteer with Us

Make a Difference: Influence workforce strategies and policies that impact our region’s economic growth and job opportunities.
Lead Initiatives: Guide and oversee projects that support local businesses, job seekers, and educational institutions.
Expand Your Network: Connect with professionals, community leaders, and organizations committed to workforce development.
Develop Skills: Enhance your leadership and strategic planning skills while contributing to meaningful community projects.

Who We Are Looking For

Experienced Leaders: Professionals with a background in business, education, human resources, or public administration.
Community Advocates: Individuals passionate about enhancing workforce opportunities and addressing local needs.
Strategic Thinkers: Those with a vision for innovative solutions and effective workforce planning.

What You’ll Do

Attend quarterly board meetings, attend one internal committee (Finance, Governance, Recruitment), and contribute to annual planning. Collaborate with other board members and stakeholders to develop and implement workforce strategies. Advocate for workforce initiatives within the community.

Recruitment & Selection

A Recruitment Committee, appointed by the DWA Board of Directors, identifies gaps in representation, targets applicants with the needed skills, knowledge, experience or connections, requests and discusses nominations, reviews application submissions, conducts interviews and makes recommendations to the Board on Director selection. New Directors are then appointed through a motion of the Board.

If you are interested in joining the Board of Directors, please get in touch with admin@durhamwa.ca for more information.

You may also view our Board Recruitment Package, which outlines the commitment requirements and qualifications for Directors.

Thank you for being so interested!

Download DWA Board Recruitment Package

Reflecting on Durham Region’s 2024 Labour Market Trends

December 20, 2024 1:25 pm Leave a Comment

As 2024 comes to a close, Durham Region’s labour market tells a story of adaptation and growth amid shifting economic dynamics. With over 49,000 active job postings recorded this year, the region has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to fostering opportunity despite challenges in certain sectors.

The healthcare and education sectors continued to thrive, with registered nurses and secondary school teachers emerging as some of the most in-demand occupations. Educational services solidified its role as a leading growth sector, reflecting the region’s investment in building a skilled and knowledgeable workforce. However, the retail trade and accommodation sectors faced significant contractions, mirroring national trends influenced by changing consumer behaviours and technological advancements.

In response to labour market challenges, employers increased wages to attract talent, with the average posted wage climbing to $27.34 per hour. While this signals positive progress, disparities remain, particularly in retail and manufacturing, where wage growth has been slower. The focus on foundational skills such as communication and management continued to shape hiring practices, emphasizing the need for a workforce that can adapt to evolving demands.

Job seekers were highly active in 2024, with over 114,000 interactions on job search platforms. Interest in roles within healthcare, education, and professional services aligned well with demand, but a persistent focus on retail roles highlighted ongoing gaps in workforce alignment. These trends underscore the importance of continued investment in career counselling and skills development initiatives to bridge mismatches between job opportunities and job seeker priorities.

As Durham Region reflects on the lessons of 2024, it is clear that collaboration between employers, educators, and workforce development organizations remains critical. By addressing challenges head-on and continuing to invest in growth sectors, the region is well-positioned to sustain its momentum in the coming year.

Crafting Your Resume – Using JFD to Create the Perfect Resume

November 28, 2024 2:19 pm Leave a Comment

Now that you’ve mastered the principles of resume writing, it’s time to put them into action. The Jobs First Durham (JFD) Resume Builder is an excellent tool to streamline the process and apply the strategies we’ve discussed.

The JFD Resume Builder guides you step-by-step, ensuring your resume is professional, ATS-friendly, and aligned with current hiring practices. Here’s how to use it effectively:

Start with a Template
The builder offers customizable templates designed for various industries. Choose one that complements your field while maintaining a clean and professional appearance.
Incorporate Keywords and Tailor Your Content
Using insights from Part 1, you can easily tailor your resume by editing sections to reflect the specific keywords and qualifications highlighted in the job posting.
Organize with Clarity
Following the tips in Part 1, use the DWA builder’s pre-set sections—such as Professional Summary, Skills, and Experience—to structure your resume for optimal readability. The builder ensures consistent formatting, saving you time and effort.
Showcase Achievements and Skills
With the tools in Part 2, highlight your accomplishments in the builder by using the provided prompts to add quantified achievements and relevant skills.
Polish and Review
Apply the proofreading strategies from Part 2 using the DWA builder’s preview feature. This allows you to spot formatting or content issues before downloading or sharing your resume.

The JFD Resume Builder makes it easy to create a standout resume while leveraging all the best practices we’ve covered. Whether you’re a first-time job seeker or a seasoned professional, this tool simplifies the process and sets you up for success.

Ready to start? Log into your JFD account and use the JFD to craft a resume that gets results!

Crafting Your Resume – Hitting the Highlights & Polishing for Perfection

November 19, 2024 2:14 pm Leave a Comment

Highlighting Your Achievements and Skills

Your achievements and skills are the heart of your resume. Rather than just listing job duties, emphasize how you made an impact in previous roles. Employers want to see results, so focus on accomplishments that showcase your value.

Start by quantifying your achievements wherever possible. Numbers make your contributions more tangible. For example, instead of saying, “Managed a team,” write, “Led a team of 10 to deliver a $500,000 project three weeks ahead of schedule.” Specificity demonstrates your ability to achieve measurable outcomes.

For skills, include both hard and soft skills that align with the job description. Hard skills—like proficiency in software tools, data analysis, or foreign languages—are often required for specific roles. Soft skills, such as communication, problem-solving, or leadership, show how you succeed in team and organizational settings.

Incorporate your skills into the Professional Summary, Experience, and Skills sections. Instead of isolating them in a list, provide context by weaving them into your achievements. For instance, mention that you used your data analysis skills to identify cost-saving opportunities or employed leadership abilities to resolve team conflicts.

Highlight recent, relevant achievements first. Include older experiences only if they’re significant or applicable to the role.

Polishing and Proofreading for Perfection

The final step in creating an outstanding resume is ensuring it’s polished and error-free. Even minor mistakes can leave a negative impression on potential employers. Follow these steps to perfect your resume:

Check for Typos and Grammar Errors
Mistakes can make your resume look rushed or unprofessional. Use spell-check tools and proofreading software like Grammarly, but don’t rely solely on them. Carefully read your resume multiple times and ask a trusted friend or mentor to review it for errors you might miss.
Ensure Consistent Formatting
Uniformity in font sizes, bullet points, and spacing enhances readability. Double-check that headings are styled the same way and that there’s consistent spacing between sections.
Keep It Concise
Aim for one page if you have less than 10 years of experience or two pages for more extensive work histories. Remove outdated or irrelevant information to keep the focus on what’s most applicable to the role.
Verify Contact Information
Ensure your phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if included) are current. Even one digit off can cost you an interview opportunity.
Tailor and Proof One Last Time
Revisit the job description and confirm that your resume reflects the key skills and qualifications the employer is seeking. A final proofread ensures that both ATS and human reviewers will view your resume favourably.

With these finishing touches, your resume will be polished, professional, and ready to help you stand out.

Crafting Your Resume – Tailoring & Formatting for Success

November 14, 2024 2:05 pm Leave a Comment

Tailoring Your Resume for Each Role

Your resume is your first chance to impress a potential employer. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work anymore; customization is key. Start by thoroughly reviewing the job description. Identify keywords, skills, and qualifications the employer emphasizes, and reflect those in your resume.

For example, if the position requires “proficient project management,” ensure your resume includes specific examples of projects you’ve managed. Use the exact wording from the job posting to pass applicant tracking systems (ATS), which often filter resumes based on keyword matching.

Next, highlight your most relevant experiences. Tailor your professional summary and work history to align with the job. Remove details that don’t apply to the role. This keeps your resume concise, typically no longer than one or two pages.

Tailoring your resume doesn’t mean rewriting it from scratch for every job. Instead, have a core version and tweak specific sections to make it a perfect fit for the role you’re applying for. This extra effort can make your resume stand out.

Formatting for Readability and ATS Optimization

A well-formatted resume is easy to read, visually appealing, and ATS-friendly. Striking the right balance between style and substance can increase your chances of landing an interview.

Start with a clean, professional layout. Use a standard font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman in 10–12 pt size. Avoid fancy fonts or excessive formatting that may not translate well in ATS scans. Stick to black text on a white background for maximum clarity.

Organize your resume into clearly labelled sections such as Professional Summary, Skills, Experience, and Education. Use bullet points for concise, scannable content. Each bullet should begin with an action verb like “Managed,” “Developed,” or “Implemented” to convey impact.

For ATS optimization, include keywords from the job description in your skills and experience sections. However, avoid keyword stuffing, as this can look artificial to hiring managers.

Depending on the application instructions, save your resume as a Word document or PDF. Some ATS systems struggle with PDFs, so it’s essential to follow the employer’s preferred format.

Finally, test your resume by uploading it to free online ATS scanners to see how it performs. This ensures that both human reviewers and technology can interpret your qualifications effectively.

Do It In Durham Entrepreneurship Week

November 5, 2024 2:42 pm Leave a Comment

Do It In Durham is more than a celebration of entrepreneurship—it’s a vital catalyst for workforce development in Durham Region. This annual, week-long event brings together entrepreneurs, small business owners, community leaders, and aspiring professionals to build a thriving local economy through skill-building, networking, and innovation. With workshops, seminars, and expert panels, Do It In Durham supports business development and strengthens the workforce by equipping participants with essential skills and insights.

Supporting Workforce Development Through Entrepreneurship
Through various sessions, attendees gain critical knowledge in fields like digital marketing, finance, project management, and leadership. These skill-building opportunities help entrepreneurs and employees alike remain competitive, adaptable, and innovative, contributing to a more skilled and versatile workforce across the region.

Do It In Durham also nurtures talent by connecting new business owners and seasoned entrepreneurs with Durham Region’s vibrant community of mentors, experts, and industry leaders. By fostering these connections, the event provides attendees with insights into real-world industry challenges, preparing them to navigate the complexities of today’s job market and business environment.

Networking and Collaboration Opportunities
Another benefit of Do It In Durham is networking, which promotes valuable partnerships that strengthen the local economy. Entrepreneurs and job seekers can connect with established businesses, often leading to new job opportunities, internships, and collaborative projects. These partnerships encourage business growth while creating more jobs and career pathways within the region, ultimately benefiting the local economy.

Driving Innovation and Economic Growth in Durham Region
Do It In Durham embodies the region’s commitment to economic growth and innovation. This event stimulates new business ventures and job creation by supporting entrepreneurs and boosting employment opportunities in established and emerging industries. Attendees gain insights into business financing, digital transformation, and customer engagement, helping to create resilient, forward-thinking businesses that drive long-term economic progress.

For aspiring and experienced business owners, Do It In Durham is a powerful platform for gaining knowledge, connecting with like-minded individuals, and contributing to Durham Region’s economic landscape. As it supports workforce development through training, mentorship, and partnerships, Do It In Durham plays a significant role in preparing the community for a dynamic future.

Join this annual celebration to grow your business and be part of a movement that strengthens the workforce and fosters a more innovative, collaborative, and inclusive Durham Region.

Moving Forward: Sustaining Inclusive Employment Efforts Beyond NDEAM

October 29, 2024 2:32 pm Leave a Comment

As National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM) comes to an end, it’s important to carry forward the commitment to workplace inclusivity and accessibility that we’ve focused on over the past month. While we’ve explored the value of disability inclusion, benefits for local businesses, and solutions to employment barriers, our efforts shouldn’t stop here. Creating lasting change requires continuous action, awareness, and dedication.

1. Reflecting on the Benefits of Inclusive Employment
This month, we’ve seen how inclusive hiring practices benefit both employees and employers alike. Hiring individuals with disabilities brings new perspectives and strengthens company culture, helping businesses foster a workforce that reflects the diversity of their communities. Organizations in Durham Region have found that these practices not only enhance productivity but also improve employee satisfaction and retention. By embracing inclusivity, businesses support a more vibrant, innovative, and representative community.

2. Addressing Barriers and Implementing Long-Term Solutions
The barriers people with disabilities face in employment can seem daunting, but sustainable change begins with small steps. Making accommodations in recruitment, training, and workplace adjustments is crucial. Simple practices, such as offering flexible schedules or ensuring accessible digital tools, are effective ways to create more opportunities. Continuing these efforts beyond October will help people with disabilities overcome systemic obstacles and unlock their potential in the workforce.

3. Building Partnerships and Raising Awareness Year-Round
Maintaining an inclusive culture means expanding awareness and partnerships. Collaborating with local workforce initiatives and disability support organizations provides businesses with guidance, resources, and training opportunities. Building these partnerships ensures that employers remain informed about best practices in inclusive hiring. By integrating these strategies into everyday business operations, companies demonstrate a commitment to inclusivity that resonates within and beyond their walls.

4. Keeping the Conversation Going
As we conclude NDEAM, let’s keep the momentum going by fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to share their needs and ideas for a more inclusive workplace. Holding regular feedback sessions, conducting workplace accessibility audits, and offering continuous disability awareness training are effective ways to keep disability inclusion top-of-mind all year. Encouraging dialogue and allyship helps normalize disability inclusion, making it an essential part of workplace culture.

5. Moving Forward Together
National Disability Employment Awareness Month has sparked a conversation that we must carry into every month of the year. By embracing accessibility, addressing barriers, building partnerships, and supporting ongoing learning, we pave the way for a more inclusive workforce in Durham Region and beyond. Together, we can ensure that people of all abilities are welcomed, supported, and empowered in their careers.