Some hiring plans put on hold amid political uncertainty, survey says

Skip to Content News Archives Economy Defence Energy Oil & Gas Renewables Electric Vehicles Mining Commodities Agriculture Real Estate Mortgages Mortgage Rates Finance Banking Insurance Fintech Cryptocurrency Defence Work Wealth Smart Money Wealth Management Investor Personal Finance Family Finance Retirement Taxes High Net Worth FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials More Innovation Information Technology FP500 Podcasts Small Business Lives Told Tails Told Shopping Financial Post Store Obituaries Place a Notice Advertising Advertising With Us Advertising Solutions Postmedia Ad Manager Sponsorship Requests Classifieds Place a Classifieds ad Working Profile Settings My Subscriptions My Offers Newsletters Customer Service FAQ News Economy Energy Mining Real Estate Finance Defence Work Wealth Investor FP Comment Executive Women Puzzmo Newsletters Financial Times Business Essentials This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.HomeWorkSome hiring plans put on hold amid political uncertainty, survey saysOne in five hiring managers say planning labour needs is their company’s biggest hiring challengesA pedestrian walks past a "Now Hiring" sign posted in front of a business in Los Angeles, Calif. on August 13, 2025. Photo by FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP via Getty ImagesSome Canadian employers are putting their hiring plans on hold due to political uncertainty, with companies planning to reduce or not increase their headcount for the remainder of the year, according to a survey by Express Employment Professionals.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLYSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman, and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESSubscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada.Exclusive articles from Barbara Shecter, Joe O'Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.Daily content from Financial Times, the world's leading global business publication.Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLESCreate an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one account.Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.Enjoy additional articles per month.Get email updates from your favourite authors.THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.Access articles from across Canada with one accountShare your thoughts and join the conversation in the commentsEnjoy additional articles per monthGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountOne in five hiring managers surveyed say planning labour needs will be among their company’s biggest hiring challenges amid concerns about a recession or economic downturn and changes in government policies, the poll said.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.It said that 21 per cent of companies planning that put a hold on hiring point to concerns about a recession or economic downturn. Meanwhile, some employers are playing the waiting game, with 14 per cent waiting until they see the outcomes of changes in government policies and 11 per cent waiting for the economy to return to normal before hiring.FP Work touches on HR strategy, labour economics, office culture, technology and more.By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder.The next issue of Work will soon be in your inbox.We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again“Political instability creates an uncertain hiring environment and an unpredictable economy,” said Bob Funk Jr., chief executive of Express Employment International.Job seekers are feeling the effects too, as more than one-third say politics has negatively affected their ability to find a new job.In September, the Canadian economy lost 68,000 jobs, driving the unemployment rate up to 6.5 per cent, according to Statistics Canada‘s latest Labour Force Survey. September marked the second consecutive month of overall employment declines.The current political climate isn’t just affecting hiring. The survey said 60 per cent of Canadian hiring managers say the current political climate affects their company – 20 per cent positively, while 40 per cent report a negative impact.This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.The survey said 61 per cent of hiring managers say rising costs have impacted their company’s ability to operate or grow. For 48 per cent, the impact is negative and 13 per cent report a positive one.That pressure is reaching workforce budgets, with wages and compensation, raw materials and inventory, transportation and logistics and hiring budgets among the areas most impacted by recent cost increases.That financial strain is also affecting job seekers. The poll said 92 per cent say say rising costs have had an impact on their decision to look for a new job, with 71 per cent describing the impact as moderate or substantial.Express Employment Professionals’ job insights survey was conducted online on their behalf by The Harris Poll from May 15 to June 1.This advertisement has not loaded yet.Notice for the Postmedia NetworkThis website uses cookies to personalize your content (including ads), and allows us to analyze our traffic. Read more about cookies here. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.