Canada is known for its thriving job market and diverse opportunities for professionals in various fields. For foreign individuals looking to pursue a career as a project manager, the country offers numerous provinces and territories ideal for job prospects. Among these provinces or territories, ten provide the best opportunities if you’re looking for Project Manager jobs in Canada.
Exploring which Canadian provinces or territories are primed for an injection of foreign project management expertise? Discover the best provinces for Project Managers in Canada!
Best Provinces or Territories For Project Manager Jobs In Canada
Here are the provinces or territories for Project Managers in Canada. All statistical figures were obtained from Canada’s Job Bank.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan is known for its abundance of natural resources, particularly:
- Potash,
- Uranium,
- Oil,
- Copper,
- Zinc,
- Nickel, and
- Cobalt.
As a result, Saskatchewan has numerous projects related to mining, energy, and agriculture. Project managers with expertise in these industries will find favorable job prospects in Saskatchewan.
Annual Average Salary: 134,779.12 CAD
Alberta
With its booming economy and numerous large-scale projects, Alberta is a top destination for project managers. The Western Canada Sedimentary Basin beneath the land of the province provides vast mineral wealth through:
- Natural gas,
- Coal,
- Iron,
- Magnetite, and
- Gold.
This vast mineral wealth forms the basis for Alberta’s extensive mining projects which require the supervisory services of a specialized mining Project Manager.
Annual Average Salary: 133,493.94 CAD
Manitoba
Manitoba is another province that offers promising job prospects for project managers. Its growing economy has invested in major infrastructure projects such as the:
- Daly Overpass Project,
- Sanford Dam Replacement Project,
- Highway 6 Twinning and Roundabout project,
- South Perimeter highway Projects, and
- Rivers Dam Rehabilitation.
These are just some of the few infrastructure projects responsible for the rise in demand for project managers. Manitoba also boasts a strong manufacturing sector, which further contributes to the province’s project management vacancies.
Annual Average Salary: 103,705,85 CAD
Northwest Territories
The Northwest Territories may not be Canada’s most well-known province, but it offers unique opportunities for project managers. The region is rich in natural resources, including diamonds, oil, and gas. Consequently, there are various projects in the mining and energy sectors, some of which include:
- Outpost Island Mine,
- Pine Point Mine,
- Ptarmigan and Tom Mine,
- Prairie Creek Mine, and
- Beaulieu Mine.
Many of these mines have created a demand for demolition materials and construction project managers.
Annual Average Salary: 144,784.45 CAD
Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, on Canada’s east coast, has a thriving technology sector and a growing number of startups. This creates a favorable environment for project managers, particularly those with IT and software development experience. IT research projects that you can capitalize on as a Project Manager include:
- The Assessing the Impact of Hybrid Work Models on Work Quality project,
- The Digital Essential Skills for Employment: A Competency Framework and Assessment Tool,
- Recognition of IT Competencies for High-Demand Occupations in Nova Scotia project.
The province also has significant renewable energy projects, such as the more than 300 commercial wind turbines generating electricity in the province. This makes Nova Scotia the national leader in wind energy adding to the demand for project management professionals in the province.
Annual Average Salary: 105,190.46 CAD
Prince Edward Island
Despite being Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island offers opportunities for project managers, particularly in tourism and hospitality. The province is known for its beautiful landscapes and attracts many tourists each year.
As a result, there is a need for project managers to oversee various tourism-related projects, such as hotel construction and infrastructure development. If you possess any expertise in managing tourism projects, you can liaise with the following divisions in the provincial government's tourism sector .
- Corporate Services
- Marketing and Sales
- Strategy, Evaluation, and
- Industry Investments.
Annual Average Salary: 102,118.61
Quebec
Quebec is a province with a distinct culture and a strong economy. The province has a diverse range of industries, including:
- Agriculture,
- Aerospace,
- Manufacturing, and
- Information technology.
The province also has many government-funded projects, further contributing to job prospects for project managers. You can contact the Economic Development and Major Projects Service for more information and guidance on project management opportunities in the province.
Annual Average Salary: 109,778.86 CAD
Yukon Territory
The Yukon Territory is a land of opportunity for project managers, particularly in mining and resource extraction. According to the territorial government, Yukon has more than 2,700 identified mineral deposits, some of which include:
- Silver-lead,
- Lead-zinc ores,
- Copper, and
- Petroleum and natural gas.
These minerals have transformed Yukon into a major mining hotspot and an attractive location for mining companies such as Orica Canada Inc., Victoria Gold Corporation, and Metallic Minerals Corp.
Furthermore, as one of Canada’s least developed regions, the Yukon Territory has been investing in infrastructure development, creating further opportunities for construction project managers.
Annual Average Salary: 145,850.00 CAD
New Brunswick
New Brunswick has a diverse economy and opportunities for project managers in various sectors. The province has a strong manufacturing industry, as well as significant projects in the energy and healthcare sectors.
With its strategic location on the east coast, New Brunswick’s strategic location on the east coast further contributes to job prospects for project managers in international trade.
Annual Average Salary: 102,856.56 CAD
Ontario
As Canada’s most populous province, Ontario offers abundant opportunities for project managers. The province has a diverse economy, with strong sectors in:
- Finance,
- Technology,
- Construction, and
- Healthcare.
Ontario is home to major cities like Toronto and Ottawa, where numerous large-scale projects are underway, creating a high demand for project management professionals.
Annual Average Salary: 113,410.54
How Can I Work as a Project Manager in Canada?
Working as a project manager in Canada requires obtaining the necessary work permits or residency status. Here are the different pathways to work as a project manager in Canada.
Temporary Foreign Work Permit (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Work Permit enables you to work for a Canadian employer that has offered you a job and demonstrated their inability to hire local labor to fulfill your job vacancy via a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA).
Find out more about Canada’s Temporary Foreign Work Permit (TFWP).
Global Talent Stream (GTS)
The Global Talent Stream is a TFWP that provides a great way for you to expedite your application to work in Canada as it enables skilled workers, including project managers, to obtain work permits in Canada within two weeks.
Learn more about the Global Talent Stream.
International Mobility Program (IMP)
You can apply for the International Mobility Program if you want to work in Canada without the need for your Canadian employer to obtain an LMIA. This may expedite your ability to work as a project manager in Canada, particularly if you qualify for an IMP such as the Intra-Company Transfer Program.
Find out more about the International Mobility Program.
Intra-Company Transfer Program
If you work for a company with a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate office in Canada, you can apply to be transferred to work in Canada using the Intra-Company Transfer Program.
Find out more about the types of work permits in Canada.
How Can I Find Project Management Jobs in Canada?
Finding project management jobs in Canada requires a strategic approach. The most essential steps to take when finding project management jobs in Canada include:
Networking
Networking is crucial when searching for project management jobs in Canada. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with professionals in your field to expand your network.
Online Job Boards and Websites
Utilize online job boards and websites that specialize in project management positions. This includes websites such as:
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can be a valuable resource in your job search. They have access to various job opportunities and can help match your skills and experience with suitable positions.
Find out more about how to find a job in Canada.
FAQs
What Are the In-demand Skills for Project Managers in Canada?
In-demand skills for project managers in Canada include:
- Leadership and communication skills,
- Effective use of project management software (Microsoft Project, JIRA, Asana, etc.)
- Risk management analysis skills, and
- Budgeting and Financial Management skills
What is the Best Way to Get Canadian PR for Project Managers?
The best way to obtain Canadian Permanent Residency (PR) for project managers is through the Express Entry system’s Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP). The FSWP is an immigration program designed to attract skilled workers worldwide to fill in the labor gaps in Canada’s economy and enhance overall economic growth.
Find out more about the FSWP.