This Statistics Canada report shows that in May, 2023 15.9 million Canadians, or four in five workers were commuting to a location outside their home for work. This number was up from both 2021 (+3.3 million) and 2016 (+457,000). The rise during this period was driven in part by a decline in the proportion of employed Canadians working from home, as well as historically high population growth and marked gains in total employment.
In May 2021, nearly one in four (24.3%) employed Canadians were usually working from home. This proportion had declined to 22.4% by May 2022, and by May 2023 had fallen to one in five (20.1%).
Reasons that commuting patterns evolve can include changing business practices, urbanization, the availability of commuting and transit infrastructure, as well as personal and financial considerations. Changes in commuting patterns have possible impacts on the well-being of workers, the environment, and public infrastructure such as roads, public transit, and walkways.
Published By: Statistics Canada
Publication Date: August, 2023
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