Quebec employers say they plan to grant pay raises averaging 3.1 per cent next year, according to the 2027 wage forecast survey by the Order of Certified Human Resources Advisors, released Tuesday. This marks the fourth consecutive year of wage restraints following increases granted during the previous period of high inflation. The survey also highlights a gap between the expectations of male employees and employers’ plans. Workers say they expect a 4.6 per cent increase, according to a Léger poll commissioned by the Order. There is also a significant gap between men and women, according to the survey. Female workers expect, on average, raises of 2.6 per cent. The difference between sectors is “relatively moderate,” according to the Order. Public administration is projecting the lowest raises, at 2.7 per cent. At the top end, employers in public utility services (electricity and gas distribution, telephone services, water treatment, etc.) are anticipating an increase of 3.7 per cent. The Order’s wage forecasts are based on surveys conducted by eight specialized firms. Together, they reflect the intentions of 1,300 companies in Quebec. For its part, Léger conducted an online survey of 529 respondents from July 31 to Aug. 3, specifically to gauge their wage expectations. The Canadian Marketing Research and Intelligence Council notes that a margin of error cannot be assigned to online surveys, as they do not use random sampling of the population. This report by The Canadian Press was first published in French on Sept. 15, 2026.
