If you are searching for work in Canada, there’s a good chance you will have access to many more opportunities thanks to a staggering increase in part time jobs this year already. According to recent figures provided by Statistics Canada labour force survey prove that Ontario accounted for almost two-thirds of the nation’s new jobs, with 14,000 full time jobs and an amazing 43,000 part time jobs added to the workforce.

Why such a massive increase in part time jobs? Following overwhelming loss of full time jobs in the manufacturing and industrial industries in 2009, Canada has recovered some 16,000 manufacturing jobs. Instead of hiring back full time workers, many firms have been offering part time or remote work options. This allows companies to maintain operations, but with less overhead and expense.

The majority of part time jobs include those in manufacturing and private sector services, although the City of Toronto noted an increase in available public service jobs early in February. Other hot industries that are hiring for part time workers include retail and whole sale trade, along with business and building support services. There are also many part time and telecommuting options available currently in the sciences and technology fields.

Part time jobs are ideal for many workers who enjoy the flexibility of being able to work varied hours around other commitments, such as school or caring for family members. Typically, part time work pays higher by the hourly rate and includes perks such as less pressure and casual work environments. In addition, part time work is perfect for anyone who just needs a little extra income, but whom enjoys work-life balance.

Currently, the Canadian national unemployment rate has dropped to 8.3% according to most recent figures and is expected to continue to hold steady or improve going into the Spring thanks to the rise in part time employment options. In addition, women in their 30’s to 50’s account for the largest group of workers getting hired, followed by youth in their teens to early twenties. That means plenty of opportunities for families and new graduates trying to survive in a challenging market

The workforce in the northern hemisphere has been on a rebound since the market bottomed out in the Fall of 2008. Recent numbers indicate that the Canadian workforce, which was hit hard, is now well on its way to recovery in 2010. This is mostly due to the rise in part time job opportunities with Canadian firms, including the some 30,000 jobs created just in Ontario alone early in the year.

Recent surveys conducted by Statistics Canada report that some of the hardest hit areas, including Ontario, Manitoba, British Columbia and Nova Scotia have shown a marked increase in the number of available jobs, dropping the national unemployment rate to as low as 8.3% as of early February. While there are still struggles within the full time sector, part time jobs are leading the way with excellent opportunities for all.

In a recent Star News interview with Douglas Porter, deputy chief economist for BMO Capital Markets, he stated that “we are in the early states of an economic recovery and that will result in job gains over the year. Unemployment numbers are still too high for comfort, but it is moving in the right direction.” There seems to be a general consensus among employment agencies that conclude that the labour force has expanded to include other forms of employment, including part time and remote employment options.

There’s more good news too. Part time employment numbers for professional women have been in the increase as well as many more opportunities for youth ages 15-24. That means more women have been able to return to the workforce to help support their families and there are many more jobs for young people just starting out.

The fastest growth industries for part time jobs include business, support services, agriculture, retail and wholesale as well as the scientific and technical fields. There are a great many part time opportunities which allow for partial telecommuting or flexible work schedules – some of the added perks of working part time. Be sure to check out the many excellent part time jobs that are available on HireMe.ca this week as you explore careers in the Toronto and surrounding areas.

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