Ottawa-Gatineau’s Regional Index: 95.8 percent
A fourth consecutive employment gain of 7,700 jobs in January adding to gains of 21,400 over the previous periods, as reported by Statistics Canada, has allowed this CMA’s Index to climb again in February (+ 1.3). In 2005, Ottawa-Gatineau had suffered numerous losses and slipped below the 80 percent mark in July. Year-end job creation, however, allowed the region to end 2005 with a positive employment tally and begin the new year with an Index above the 90 percent mark. Over the past 12 months, employment for the region grew by 3.6 percent. This month’s Index ranks 1st out of 120, meaning there were 119 months with lesser Indices over the past 120 months. Over this same 10-year period, the number of jobs in the region increased by 33 percent.

Toronto’s Regional Index: 72.1 percent
The Toronto Census Metropolitan Area reports another Index drop this month (− 9.9) with back-to-back losses of 15,600 jobs last month and 8,300 positions over the previous period. Over the past year, employment has, nonetheless, increased by 3 percent. This month’s Index ranks 55th out of 120, meaning there were 65 months with lesser Indices over the past 120 months. From January 1996 to January 2006, employment in Toronto increased by 32 percent.