Thanks Geneva. Oh yes, I remember that dismal decade of the early and mid-1990s. My father died of a massive heart attack in May 1991 - it was the recession that killed him. He watched his much-loved (and once prosperous) small company teeter on the brink of bankruptcy, our family was close to financial ruin. Bleak bleak days. This is why I'm ultra-sensitive and alert to any sign of recession - real or imagined.
Myself, I was laid off a few months ago here in Paris (the company downsized), however I'm living on very generous French chomage benefits. Naturally, I'd rather be working than lazing about collecting 1800 euros a month but, on the other hand, it would be sheer folly for me to give up such generous benefits only to plunge into a soft job-market in Canada.
As you suggested, the websites Workopolis and working.com are very good. I see a lot more jobs in Ottawa than in Montreal. And I see LOTS of jobs in Calgary and some in Edmonton too. As much as I'd truly LOVE to settle in Montreal, it might not happen. Montreal is my number one choice - lifestyle-wise - but I need serious, permanent long-term work. I'll give it a shot but if nothing's forthcoming I'll have to move on.
You said the following "I live in France, too, and believe me, it's easier to get work, esp. part-time, in Canada than in Europe these days...."
That about sums it up in a nutshell. The unemployment situation in this country is lamentable and has been for decades. I'm outta here by early summer. I'll check out Montreal first then Ottawa then head to Calgary.
Merci pour votre conseil et votre encouragement.