Job opportunuties usually don't change for most of the occupations from one city to another. As an accountant I can confidently say that my occupation is needed even in remote villages in the far north. Finding a job in any major city shouldn't be an issue. At least finding one in Montreal is neither easier nor harder than finding one in Vancouver. Same goes for chefs, healthcare workers, salespeople, barbers etc. Smaller cities obviously have less vacant jobs, but they also have less competition for those jobs.
Only spesific jobs like maritime engineers, petrolium engineers, some IT jobs must seek employment in certain cities due to the nature of their jobs. If your occupation is limiting you to Vancouver, Toronto, Ottawa and Calgary. Well, I think you should settle in those cities even though there is a massive housing crisis is going on.
I'd like to clarify one thing though. I'm not saying people should go settle in a remote village and live with polar bears or anything like that. All I'm saying is there are other major cities in Canada with relatively affordable housing markets, which you can still enjoy a vibrant city life, and have all the amenities you can possible have in Vancouver, but live in your own house for the same money people rent a small 1 room apartment in North Vancouver. Everyone is free to decide whatever they like, but that's my opinion on this matter.