Toronto’s Regional Index: 69.0 percent
The Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) reports a marked Index increase in June (+10), with 24,800 new jobs created over the past month. The increase follows modest employment gains since March that were too weak to compensate previous losses of 37,900 positions. Toronto’s employment status had dropped to “fair” in December 2004. This month’s Index ranks 51st compared to the previous 120 months. In other words, there were 69 months with weaker Indices over the past ten years. From May 1995 to May 2005, employment in the Toronto region has increased by 31 percent.

Ottawa-Gatineau’s Regional Index: 83.8 percent
Ottawa-Gatineau’s Index for June drops slightly (-1.6) following the loss of 700 jobs, as reported by Statistics Canada. This region’s Index remains relatively stable despite losses of 6,200 positions in February and March. Strong year-end job creation has helped maintain the region’s “favourable” employment status. Previously, several months of stagnation kept the region Index below the 80 percent mark. This month’s Index ranks 22nd compared to the past 120 months. In other words, there were 96 months with weaker Indices over the past 10 years. Over the same period, employment in the region grew by 23 percent.