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Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical)  (NOC 1241)
Ottawa Region
Description |  Titles |  Duties |   Related Occupations

Secretaries perform a variety of administrative duties in support of managerial and professional employers. They are employed throughout the private and public sectors.

executive secretary (except legal and medical), private secretary, secretary (except legal and medical), technical secretary.

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Secretaries perform some or all of the following duties:
  • Prepare, key in, edit and proofread correspondence, invoices, presentations, brochures, publications, reports and related material from shorthand, machine dictation and handwritten copy using computers
  • Open and distribute incoming regular and electronic mail and other material and co-ordinate the flow of information internally and with other departments and organizations
  • Schedule and confirm appointments and meetings of employer
  • Order office supplies and maintain inventory
  • Answer telephone and electronic enquiries and relay telephone calls and messages
  • Set up and maintain manual and computerized information filing systems
  • Determine and establish office procedures
  • Greet visitors, ascertain nature of business and direct visitors to employer or appropriate person
  • Record and prepare minutes of meetings
  • Arrange travel schedules and make reservations
  • May compile data, statistics and other information and may conduct research
  • May organize conferences
  • May supervise and train other staff in procedures and in use of current software.
Included Cities in Region | Service Canada Offices

Ottawa, Gloucester, Nepean, Brockville, Cornwall, Vanier, Carleton Place, Clarence-Rockland, Gananoque, Hawkesbury, Mississippi Mills, Perth, Prescott, Smiths Falls, Bourget, Buckham's Bay, Clarence, Constance Bay, Embrun, Hazeldean, Kars, Old Stittsville, Richmond, Rockland, Rockland East, Russell, South March, South March Station, Stittsville, St-Onge

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View a list of Service Canada offices in this area.

Outlook & Prospects for Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical) in Ottawa Region

The future forecast and current conditions for an occupation can vary based on location or due to changes in the economy, technology, or demand for a product or service.

Local Employment Potential Information

Table on the employment potential for Secretaries (Except Legal and Medical) in Ottawa Region as well as in the rest of the Ontario.
Location Employment Potential Release Date
Ottawa Region Limited 2012-12-06

In the Ottawa economic region, the employment prospects for secretaries, also known as administrative assistants, are expected to be limited to average for the period 2012-2013. This is a fairly large occupation in the region with a labour force of about 5,600 at the time of the 2006 census. Individuals who are fluent in both English and French languages will have improved employment prospects.

In Ontario, the employment prospects for secretaries (except legal and medical) are expected to be limited to average for the period 2012-2013. The labour force for this occupation is large but declining across the province. At the time of the 2006 census, the labour force for secretaries in Ontario was close to 70,200, a decrease of approximately 14% from the previous census. Secretaries, who are also known as administrative assistants, will have fewer work opportunities as computerized technology is increasingly used in offices and as companies continue to consolidate administrative functions.

Given the large size of this occupation, many job openings will arise from worker turnover and retirements. Some positions are temporary in nature. Employment prospects will be more favourable for persons with strong administrative skills and the ability to use up-to-date computer applications. Applicants who are fluent in both English and French will also have improved job prospects.

[ Source: Labour Market Information - HRSDC ]
Please consult the Ontario and Canada tabs for more useful information related to outlook.