Health and social assistance positions represent one‑fifth of all vacant jobs across Quebec, according to the latest labour market report released on September 17, 2026. The three regions of Capitale‑Nationale, Montérégie and Montréal together contain half of the province’s open roles, making them the primary hotspots for recruitment challenges.
The concentration is especially pronounced within the health and social assistance sector, which dominates the vacancy picture in each of those areas. In Montréal, the sector’s share of unfilled posts mirrors the provincial average, while in Capitale‑Nationale and Montérégie the same pattern repeats, reinforcing the region’s reliance on health‑related staffing.
Overall, the data show that the remaining half of Quebec’s vacancies are spread across other industries and geographic zones. While the report does not break down the exact composition of those jobs, the contrast underscores the disproportionate weight carried by health and social assistance roles in the labour market.
Policy makers and employers have been monitoring these trends as part of broader efforts to address workforce shortages. The focus on the three regions reflects their population density and the presence of major hospitals, clinics and social service providers, which together generate a steady demand for nurses, caregivers, social workers and related professionals.
The snapshot captured on September 17, 2026, suggests that any strategy aimed at reducing Quebec’s vacancy rate will need to prioritize the health and social assistance sector, particularly within Capitale‑Nationale, Montérégie and Montréal, where half of the open positions are currently located. Addressing these gaps could improve service delivery for Quebec's aging population.