The economic recession crushed the job markets for both countries. Canada’s job loss recovery remains an uphill battle. In January 2021, Canada lost 212,800³ jobs. This loss is in addition to the 52,700⁴ jobs lost in December 2020. The January losses were concentrated in Ontario & Quebec (combined loss of 251,000 jobs) where restrictions (stay-at-home orders and curfews) are contributing the two provinces’ challenges. The pandemic wiped out almost 3 million jobs during the months of March & April 2020. Since then, 71% of the jobs lost have been recovered. As of January 2021, there remains a net loss of 858,000 jobs since the onset of the pandemic⁵.