5 Jobs That Will Soon Disappear, and 5 That Will Boom

Canada’s job market is shifting faster than most people realize. Some careers once considered stable are quietly shrinking, while others are growing at a pace employers struggle to keep up with. This transformation isn’t solely due to robots or AI, though that’s a part of the equation. Factors such as trade pressures, the rise of online shopping, aging infrastructure, and a changing population are all influencing the nature of work across the country.

The good news is that being aware of these trends gives individuals a significant advantage. Whether you’re mid-career, just starting, or helping someone explore their next steps, this breakdown identifies the jobs declining the fastest in Canada, as well as those genuinely on the rise.

5 Jobs That Will Soon Be Phased Out. 

1.       Cashier: According to Statistics Canada, retail payroll employment fell by more than 20,000 positions year-over-year as of early 2026, with wholesale and retail trade experiencing some of the sharpest declines nationwide. The rise of self-checkout kiosks at major Canadian chains like Loblaw, Metro, and Walmart has made it easier for retailers to operate with fewer front-end staff.

2.       Mail Carrier and Postal Worker: Canada Post is facing serious financial challenges, and mail carriers are feeling the impact. The Crown corporation reported a record loss of $1.57 billion in 2025. Its CEO has confirmed plans to shed approximately 30,000 positions by 2035 through retirements and voluntary departures.

3.       Print Journalist and Newspaper Reporter: Since 2008, more than 450 news outlets in Canada have closed, and at least a third of journalism jobs have disappeared during that period, according to government figures. Bell Media, CBC, and various local outlets have made significant cuts in recent years, with around 2,000 Canadian journalism jobs lost in tracked layoffs between 2023 and 2024 alone. Print advertising revenue has collapsed, and the shift to digital has not compensated for the loss of these positions.

4.       Assembly Line and Factory Worker: Canada’s manufacturing sector lost roughly 37,000 jobs in 2025, largely due to U.S. tariffs that impacted export-dependent industries, according to Statistics Canada. Ontario experienced the brunt of these losses, shedding about 45,000 positions. Auto-related manufacturers like Stellantis, which has plants in Brampton and Windsor, have scaled back production plans and shifted work across the border. Automation and robotics are also allowing factories to produce more with fewer workers on the floor.

5.       Retail Sales Associate: Similar to cashiers, retail sales associates are facing a decline due to the increasing automation and online shopping trends. Many traditional retail roles are being replaced by digital platforms, which means fewer employees are needed in stores as consumers shift to online purchasing.

5 Booming Jobs in Canada.

1.       AI Engineer and Machine Learning Specialist: Demand for AI-related roles in Canada is increasing rapidly. According to LinkedIn’s 2026 “Jobs on the Rise” report, positions such as AI engineers, AI consultants, and machine learning researchers are among the fastest-growing roles in the country.

2.       Registered Nurse and Personal Support Worker: The healthcare sector in Canada is under significant strain, leading to a growing demand for nurses and personal support workers. An aging population requires more regular medical care, long-term support, and home-based assistance. Randstad Canada has identified registered nurses and psychiatric nurses as some of the most in-demand professionals for 2026.

3.       Skilled Trades: Electricians, Plumbers, and Welders: These tradespeople are in genuine short supply across Canada, and this gap is expected to widen. Statistics Canada’s January 2026 research shows that journeypersons, representing over 1 million workers, face lower risks of AI disruption than many other occupations.

4.       Mental Health Professional and Counselor: The demand for mental health services in Canada has been steadily increasing over the years, and the supply of qualified counselors and therapists has not kept pace. Employers, schools, hospitals, and community organizations are actively hiring in this field.

5.       Renewable Energy Technician and Commissioning Manager: Canada’s commitment to clean energy is generating real job opportunities. Commissioning managers, who test and validate complex construction and engineering systems, are featured on LinkedIn’s 2026 fastest-growing list. Most job opportunities are concentrated in the oil-and-gas transition, engineering services, and renewable-energy projects. As wind, solar, and energy storage sectors scale up in Canada, technicians and engineers who can work across these systems are in high demand.

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