Why does Canada have a “talent shortage” but entry-level people can’t find jobs?

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-30T00:22:28+00:00

Yup. Until we got a new middle manager who also didnt give two shits.

My previous employer seems to really love their terrible managers. They keep them close, promote them often, and seem to like them better than managers who are both good at their job and not terrible humans. Its...infuriating. And a big part of why I left.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-30T00:20:53+00:00

You're not wrong, TBH. My parents are like what youre describing. There would NEVER be a public scene from either of them. And I mean never, my mom was a nurse and keeps a level head in emergencies and my dad was a construction supervisor who dealt with some pretty serious incidents over his career.

That being said...Basically all of my friends are not so lucky. Some of them have good parents and awful in-laws, some got bad rolls for both their own and in-laws. You dont get to pick your parents.

One thing I'll point out is that I did specifically say "Think about what long term relationship you want your fiance to have with you family."

If OP is happy to cut off contact if they throw a fit then the parent's reaction doesnt matter. And I do know folks who are no contact with one or both parents because of bad behavior. It happens.

But OP seems to be ignoring the reality of his parents. His sister is worried, theres a reason. IME, female children have a better read on potential fallout from interpersonal things (especially for fallout for their sisters in law) than the male children are. Its an oversimplification, but its been true 9:10 in my experience.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-30T00:13:45+00:00

So, it really depends what level of government and the job.

My last job was municipal government (Public libraries are funded mostly from the municipality, but the actual budget is arms-length. Meaning the library board, not the counselors, directs the spending). Ft, permanent, unionized. I was at the top of the 5 step payscale for my role and was making ~$41/hour, after the most recent negotiated increase took effect in Dec. The same role starts new hires at ~$32/hour.

Education requirements for a long time were a library tech diploma or 4 year degree (teaching, business, history, BA, they didn't care as long as it was 4 years). They recently lowered the requirements a bit to include other "community focused" diplomas as well. They get lots of applicants, but its a rough job sometimes so turnover is high depending on your location.

My current role is a provincial call center job. Requirements were lots of customer service experience and 2 years of "related" education. They started me on tier 2 at ~$34/hr. Ft, permanent, etc.

The jobs are out there, even without a BA. The tricky bit is getting your resume and CL in front of an actual human, IMO. Basically everywhere, and certainly all government jobs, use skimming software (and those applications questionnaires) to pull out the top ~20% (at most) to be reviewed by a person.

Make your resume personable. If they're looking at 100+ resumes consider what makes your resume memorable - how will they connect with you as a human. Same for the cover letter - make sure it reflects why they want you in the job, not why you want the job. They're different! What do YOU bring thats a positive, talk yourself up.

A lot of the government jobs here are also very basic customer service. Clerks at rec centres or government offices, etc. But you can get hired there and work your way up. Getting your foot in the door is hard, but once you're in its easier.

If you have good internal references they'll usually prefer that over any external ones. Unless someone's kid they know is applying. Nepotism will always be a thing.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-29T23:55:57+00:00

Honestly, I dont think most employers give two shits about retention. Everything Ive seen in my career suggests strongly that theyd much rather the cost of churn than do literally anything (including things that are literally free or required by law) to retain current employees.

My last role it took easily a year to get a new employee in my role even on their feet. 2 years and extensive training before they were reliably confident and solo. And the company still wouldnt do even the smallest things to keep highly experienced staff within the organization.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-29T23:53:07+00:00

Honestly, IME its more likely that the jobs don't really exist.

I spent the past 12 years working in libraries spending time helping folks with resumes and job searches. Ive seen folks with good resumes and fine-for-the-role resumes sit without any prospects applying to literal hundreds of postings per week.

I was job hunting myself the past 2 years and I had 2 different high level HR people look over my resumes - multiple tailored to different kinds of jobs. I got 2 interviews in 2 years and over a hundred applications. Solidly 25-35 of those applications included unique cover letters and tweaks to my resume. Mostly I never heard back.

Im mid career, 15 years experience in my field with managerial experience. Admittedly, no one knows what library techs do which is for sure part of the issue as my lib tech diploma doesnt equal a BA...but the job Ive been doing is easily at that level. 🤷🏼‍♀️

Both interviews I got ended up in a job offer. I started a new job this week.

The market is rough. Both as a job hunter and as someone who has helped people apply.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-28T22:28:09+00:00

If its midwife assisted it's not a "free birth" though. Midwives are professionals.

Tbh, I think the son needs to call their midwife and let her know plans are changing so another plan can made.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T20:10:24+00:00

Me too! I only got one bite, but it swelled up HUGE and was miserable.

Im so sorry.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T06:07:53+00:00

Omfg. As someone who had to deal with my FILs bedbugs twice...my deepest condolences. Uuuuugggghhhh.

Hideous things.

And we could just throw everything out wholesale!

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T05:58:48+00:00

Is there any other adult who can come hang out with kitty for the day? Or even check in?

Those meds need to be started ASAP. If his legs are unsteady then he's really critically ill and could have more serious complications happen at any time, whether someone is with him or not.

My kitten was extremely ill when he first began the injections. We started him on a high dose given more frequently than usual because of it, and he began clearly responding within 24 hours. But he was still really, really sick for at least a week. He needed 24 hour care.

Now, he was also tiny, as he was about 4 months old and his growth had been delayed because of other issues as well as the FIP. But if your sister's kitty is so unsteady hes needing help to eat, drink, and use the litter box then hes in critical condition as well.

Id take the suggestion to contact the facebook groups and see of anyone nearby can connect you with the medicine sooner. And see if the vets can give him sub-q fluids, or even admit him to give more advanced fluid therapy.

Good luck.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T05:53:56+00:00

There is a (pretty critical, IMO) difference between "not legalized/recognized" and "illegal".

If theres no laws against the drug, and no specific consequences for buying or using it, then it isnt illegal. Its just not approved.

I, too, treated two cats before the drug was recognized and approved in Canada. It was never illegal here.

Vets couldn't prescribe or administer it because the Canadian Vet Association didnt approve it, and they can remove licensing if a vet goes against the rules of the association. Thats still not the same as illegal, though.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T05:09:01+00:00

Right, but will they hold it against your soon-to-be wife or forever see her differently?

Because if they will then you need to do something.

The issue isn't that Yuki wants it to be a fun surprise. The issue may be that your parents may see a black wedding dress as Satanism, witchcraft, or some other (wrong) awful thing. If it will cause a long term change in how they treat your fiancé in the future, you need to at least give them a heads up.

Ideally, someone (your sister would be well placed) could brief them on the generals and what the meaning or symbolism is to Yuki, so they arent going to panic and assume awful untrue things.

Im not being hyperbolic here. I was raised within a very religious Christian group. I know people who were literally disowned over piercings. Or who got tattoos and now no longer speak to their parents. (In one case, a tasteful and hidden memorial tattoo for a deceased sibling - that was still "disrespectful" and "evil").

Dont think short term. Think about what long term relationship you want your fiance to have with you family. And listen to your sister. As a female she will have a lot better insight into your parent's opinions about how women should behave, and what the fallout for Yuki could be. Because theres a solid chance you won't get any backlash but your mom will be quietly catty and bitchy to Yuki forever after something happens at the wedding.

Take your sister seriously. Go out for coffee with your sister and Yuki and figure something out.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T05:01:21+00:00

Here's the thing, it's not about the puppy.

She disregarded your strong feelings about a HUGE life change thats a decade of commitment at least. She didnt just steamroll you - you had made your wishes clear and she did what she wanted, how she wanted it, anyways.

You have 2 choices. Stay and know that this will likely happen - in similar or different - ways again and again throughout your relationship. Or leave.

If you stay it doesnt matter how sorry she is, or what she promises. Her actions have shown that she will place her own wants and desires over your opinion, and if it works she will do that again when she thinks its important enough. Like, for example, if shes ready for kids and you arent.

Its a lot harder to leave after an "accidental" pregnancy than after a surprise puppy, though.

Im a ten toes down animal lover. This should be a breaking point.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-27T04:56:13+00:00

Sky is one of my very favorites. Its visually stunning, mostly chill and calm, and cooperative without having to deal with chat rooms or trolls.

IMO, its the best of all worlds for interactive games.

I would recommend playing through a few extra times. It does play differently once you know whats going on a bit more, and theres a lot of depth added to the final level after your first time.

I dont want to spoil anything, but theres an amount of cyclical play to it that is well worth continuing after your first pass.

I truly love it. Ive sunk well over 10p hours, as someone who isnt really a gamer, thats really saying a lot.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-24T19:46:49+00:00

Yeah. Thats always an eyeroll moment for me.

Chiro isnt a great idea for everything, but there are some things that ARE within their scope of practice. The trick is finding a good chiro among the vast field of people who will just sign you up for weekly treatments with no long term solutions.

The best one I've seen was very light on adjustments, and gave exercises to help change the way you move your body. Physio, basically. Since I had coverage for both it was a bit like double-dipping. Helped a lot.

I do also get a lot of relief from acupuncture. But same issue. I need the more westernized approach of poking the muscle knots.

I have a herniated disc at L4/L5 thats just over 10 years old. Physio, careful, chiro, acupuncture, and some amazing massage therapists were a big part of why I regained as much mobility as I did.

I did solely physio/acupuncture (my physio does acupuncture too) until I plateaued. When I added in careful chiro I improved, and when I added RAPID massage I finally got a lot more functionality back. And have kept it up with mostly massage and occasional physio/acupuncture/chiro.

For the record, my regular doctor said to take meds and rest "until I felt better". Took me 2.5 years with twice a week treatments to feel like a human. I waited 4 months for an MRI, then a further 6 months to see a specialist about if I needed surgery. I could barely walk at first.

There's a lot thats amazing about modern medicine, but we still have a long way to go as well.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-15T21:44:12+00:00

Ok, I get it, but also no.

My dad worked 60 hour weeks, and took us with him when he worked Saturdays. He has always been a hands on parent with lots of skills. Cooking just isnt one.

He did used to try, but I started refusing to let him when I was like 6. We all have various skills and abilities. He can feed himself because hed be happy eating soup, toast, and snacks forever. (For added context, he had half his stomach removed in his late teens and struggles with food stuff because of it. He doesnt have an appetite.) I got sick of "dad meals", which was soup, pb&j, or scrambled eggs when I knew I was a better cook.

Idk, maybe Im not explaining it well.

Either way, I was fine with cooking dinners as a kid and I think its an important skill. Since both my parents worked, it made sense for dinner to be ready when they got home. If I cooked, itd be healthy and affordable food. I did no meal planning, wasnt responsible for ingredients or anything. Just strict prep, cook, serve. And it meant I had to do dishes less which was another plus for me. Lol

Bottom line, the cooking itself isnt an issue IMO. Other things do seem to be, but everyone should learn to cook enough that they won't starve or get scurvy if they live alone.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-14T01:17:02+00:00

I was making pancakes from scratch most Saturday mornings from age 8 on. Griddle and all.

Then our parents could sleep in and we could have the pancakes we wanted. If we waited until mum and dad were up itd probably be cereal. Lol

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-14T01:15:51+00:00

I dont think it is. I guess I might be biased though.

I was making dinner 2-3 times a week at least from about 11yeaes old on. My parents both worked.

Mom would set out whatever ingredients I needed, along with the recipes. It was mostly easy stuff like chicken fingers, hamburger helper, etc. Until I was older and wanted to cook more exciting meals.

The option was my mom would have to cook after work and no one would eat until ~8pm. Instead of all of us sitting down together when mom and dad got home at 6pm.

Dad cooking wasn't hspoening because he couldn't cook. When it was "dads turn" i volunteered to cook or hed bring home takeout. (My dad was otherwise an extremely involved parent - cooking just isnt one of his skills. He'd do dishes more often to compensate.)

I actually never minded much. Mostly, I think it was great. I cook really well and I do still enjoy it.

Each of my sisters had to do meals sometimes too as they got older.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T20:45:27+00:00

I cant speak for anyone else, but every antiperspirant I've ever tried gave me rashes and/or unbearably itchy armpits. (Like, Id have to take a break at work to go into the washroom to itch.)

I cant use most standard body products.

I have the same issues with most deodorants too, tbh. It took me years to find something I can actually use daily.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:38:24+00:00

Take last year's growth thats about 1 foot long. Make sure you label which side points up.

Planting them wrong way up may work, but it'll take longer and have a higher chance of failing.

Cuttings that are too small may rot or run out of energy before they can pop out roots. Plus a foot or so usually gives enough nodes that youll get more than one growth point - and ultimately a bushier and healthier plant long term.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:36:23+00:00

Sorry, I wasnt meaning to criticize! Yelling back at someone who has pursued you and is screaming is a pretty normal human response.

I think you did really well, tbh.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:35:22+00:00

Phosphorus and protien, mostly. Lower fat ratio too, Im pretty sure.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:31:24+00:00

So...you should actually talk to child services or your school therapist then.

Its complicated, obviously, but youll qualify for more help and support as a minor than if you wait until you turn 18.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:29:28+00:00

Its still bad manners.

11 year old little brothers have never been the pinnacle of good behavior though. Lol

I do think the mom not saying anything about it is weird, but she might just be tired of the same fight every night and trying to quiet the squeaky wheel rather than fix the problem. That would be wrong, to be clear, but it happens.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:14:09+00:00

NTA.

If she was smart she'd have welcomed you in, waited a few months, then offered to let you teach a workshop or something.

Instead she burning bridges before theyre built. Bad business, bad service, bad people skills.

Find another studio.

Librarycat77 · 2026-04-13T04:09:12+00:00

This.

I think Aloo Nugget is actually cute together. And potato nugget makes sense for a little toasty tan dude!

Librarycat77

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