Story perspectives

Canada's Public Sector Jobs Surge, Raising Fiscal Concerns

11/26/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Fraser Institute, a Canadian think tank, reports that Canada’s public sector added 950,000 jobs from 2015 to 2024, equal to 30% of employment growth.
Public-sector jobs grew 2.7% annually, compared with 1.7% in the private sector.
Public administration led the rise, adding 328,200 positions and about one-third of growth.
The report warns that this expansion poses fiscal risks and recommends reducing the public sector's size for long-term sustainability.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Fraser Institute, a Canadian think tank, reports that Canada’s public sector added 950,000 jobs from 2015 to 2024, equal to 30% of employment growth.
Public-sector jobs grew 2.7% annually, compared with 1.7% in the private sector.
Public administration led the rise, adding 328,200 positions and about one-third of growth.
The report warns that this expansion poses fiscal risks and recommends reducing the public sector's size for long-term sustainability.