Over the past 12 months, employment in Ontario grew by 1.9 percent. This month’s Index ranks 34th out of 120, meaning there were 86 months with lesser Indices over the past 120 months. During this same 10-year period, employment in Ontario grew by 26 percent.

Ottawa-Gatineau region: 68.2 percent — Fair
3,400 positions were created in the Ottawa-Gatineau CMA in February. This amount, however, is largely insufficient to make up for the loss of 24,100 jobs over the previous five months. Thus, this CMA’s Index remains “fair” for a fourth consecutive month despite its first increase (+ 4.2) since June 2006. Over the past 12 months, employment in the Ottawa-Gatineau region decreased by 2.9 percent. This month’s Index ranks 30th out of 120, meaning there were 90 months with lesser Indices over the past 120 months. Over this same 10-year period, employment in this region grew by 28 percent.

Toronto region: 76.7 percent — Favourable
In February, the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) added 23,400 to its economy, bringing to 67,400 the total number of new positions created since November 2006. These important gains have propelled Toronto’s Index above the “fair” employment threshold with an Index increase of 12.2 percent. Compared to December 2006, when the region’s Index stood at a meagre 49.3 percent, the increase is 27.4. Over the past 12 months, employment in this CMA grew by 3.3 percent. This month’s Index ranks 31st out of 120, meaning there were 89 months with lesser Indices over the past 10 years. From 1997 to 2007, employment increased by 31 percent.