Over the past 12 months, employment in Ontario increased by 1.8 percent. This month’s Index ranks 36th out of 120, meaning there were 84 months with lesser Indices over the past 10 years. During this same period, employment grew by 26 percent.

Ottawa-Gatineau region: 65.2 percent — fair
After having maintained “excellent” employment levels for the greater part of last year, the Ottawa-Gatineau Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) records its third consecutive Index drop (-3.9) to 65.2 percent. In December, this CMA lost 2,400 jobs, for a total of 23,500 lost positions over the past four months. Over the past 12 months, employment was down by 0.9 percent. This month’s Index ranks 39th out of 120, meaning there were 81 months with lesser Indices over the past 120 months. Over this same 10-year period, employment for this region increased by 25 percent.

Toronto region: 55.0 percent — fair
The Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) added 20,500 jobs to its economy in December of 2006, bringing total job creation to 22,900 for the past two months. The result has been a 5.7 percent increase in this CMA’s Jobboom Index, allowing the region to rise above its previously “unfavourable” employment status. Over the past 12 months, employment for this CMA has increased by 0.5 percent. This month’s Index ranks 76th out of 120, meaning there were 44 months with lesser Indices over the past 10 years. From 1996 to 2006, employment for this CMA grew by 30 percent.