Introduction

About the Ontario Employment Report – January to December, 2021

The Ontario Employment Report is released four times a year and provides an assessment of the current trends and developments in the Ontario labour market. The Ontario Employment Report is a companion report to the Ontario Economic Accounts, which provides an overall assessment of the current state of the Ontario economy.

The report for the fourth quarter of 2021 provides an assessment of Ontario’s labour market for the entire year, comparing annual averages, while the approach used in earlier quarterly reports was to measure year-over-year changes in quarterly data.

Methodological note

In the current issue, year-over-year change represents change between 2020 and 2021. Longer-term trends are included for select labour market characteristics and provide historical context.

All estimates in the report are based on Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey (LFS), which measures the current state of the national, provincial and territorial labour market. The LFS is based on a household survey carried out monthly by Statistics Canada in reference weeks of the month. All estimates in this report include the population aged 15 years and over, unless otherwise indicated.

Impact of COVID‑19 on the labour market

Ontario's labour market has experienced unprecedented changes because of the COVID‑19 pandemic. Beginning in mid-March 2020, numerous travel restrictions, business closures and physical distancing measures were put in place by various levels of government to help contain the spread of COVID‑19 and protect the health of Ontarians. As a result of the pandemic, there was a sharp decline in employment between February to May 2020, which was more severe compared to previous recessions.

In 2021, employment growth declined in January, April and May as Ontario introduced additional targeted public health measures to help stop the spread of COVID‑19. Since June 2021, employment in Ontario increased for seven consecutive months and as of September 2021, employment surpassed its pre-COVID‑19 level in February 2020.

Overview

Key labour market indicators, 2021

Employment:

  • +344,800 net jobs in 2021, year-over-year
  • +273,400 net full-time jobs in 2021, year-over-year

Unemployment rate:

  • 8.0% in 2021

Participation rate:

  • 64.9% in 2021

Employment change by province, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows the per cent annual employment change for the ten Canadian provinces and Canada. Employment increased the most in British Columbia (+6.6%) and Nova Scotia (+5.4%) and the least in New Brunswick (+2.5%). Ontario’s employment increased by 4.9%, slightly more than the increase in Canada’s employment (+4.8%).

The horizontal bar chart shows the per cent annual employment change for the ten Canadian provinces and Canada. Employment increased the most in British Columbia (+6.6%) and Nova Scotia (+5.4%) and the least in New Brunswick (+2.5%). Ontario’s employment increased by 4.9%, slightly more than the increase in Canada’s employment (+4.8%).

In 2021, Ontario’s employment increased by 4.9% (+344,800), the largest annual increase on record for Ontariofootnote 1, following a record decline (-355,300 or -4.8%) in 2020. In 2021, employment increased in all provinces. Ontario had the fourth largest percentage increase in employment (+4.9%), after British Columbia (+6.6%), Nova Scotia (+5.4%) and Alberta (+5.1%). New Brunswick recorded the smallest percentage increase in employment (+2.5%). In Canada, employment increased by 4.8%.

Ontario’s labour market, 1976-2021

The combination line and area chart show Ontario’s unemployment rate (line chart) and employment (area chart) from 1976 to 2021. Ontario’s unemployment rate has fluctuated reaching highs of 10.4% in 1983, 10.9% in 1993, 9.2% in 2009 and 9.6% in 2020 and lows of 5.0% in 1988 and 1989, 5.7% in 2000 and 5.6% in 2019. The unemployment rate fell to 8.0% in 2021. Employment in Ontario has risen steadily since 1976 with a few exceptions when employment contracted during recessions. The decrease in employment from

The combination line and area chart show Ontario’s unemployment rate (line chart) and employment (area chart) from 1976 to 2021. Ontario’s unemployment rate has fluctuated reaching highs of 10.4% in 1983, 10.9% in 1993, 9.2% in 2009 and 9.6% in 2020 and lows of 5.0% in 1988 and 1989, 5.7% in 2000 and 5.6% in 2019. The unemployment rate fell to 8.0% in 2021. Employment in Ontario has risen steadily since 1976 with a few exceptions when employment contracted during recessions. The decrease in employment from 2019 to 2020 was sharper compared to previous recessions, but employment in 2021 almost recovered to its 2019 level.

In 2021, the unemployment rate in Ontario was 8.0%, above the Canadian rate (7.5%) and the fifth lowest rate among provinces. In 2021, the annual decrease in the unemployment rate (-1.6 percentage points) was the largest on record.

In 2021, the labour force participation rate in Ontario increased by 1.3 percentage points to 64.9%, which was below the Canadian rate (65.1%) and the same compared to prior to the COVID‑19 pandemic in 2019.

Highlights in 2021

  • employment increased among both part-time and full-time workers
  • the private sector and public sector experienced employment growth, while self-employment declined
  • employment increased in both the services-producing and goods-producing industries with the largest increase in professional, scientific and technical services, as well as health care and social assistance
  • among broad occupational groups, business, finance and administration occupations and natural and applied sciences and related occupations saw the largest increases in employment
  • employment increased in all the five regions, with Southwestern Ontario recording the highest percentage increase in employment
  • part-time and higher-wage workers, very recent immigrants, youth, females and those with a postsecondary credential experienced relatively larger employment gains
  • weekly hours worked increased for both full- and part-time workers and there were substantially fewer workers working reduced hours. However, the number of those working reduced hours was still higher compared to 2019
  • the average hourly wage of employees was $30.82, a decrease of 1.5% after accounting for inflation

Type of work

Employment change by full-time, part-time status, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by full-time and part-time status, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Total employment increased by 344,800 (+4.9%), with full-time employment increasing by 273,400 (+4.7%), and part-time employment increasing by 71,300 (+5.8%).

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by full-time and part-time status, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Total employment increased by 344,800 (+4.9%), with full-time employment increasing by 273,400 (+4.7%), and part-time employment increasing by 71,300 (+5.8%).

In 2021, employment in Ontario increased by 4.9%, driven by increases in both full-time (+273,400, +4.7%) and part-time positions (+71,300, +5.8%).

Employment change by employment sector, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change for the private sector, public sector and the self-employed, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased in the private sector (+265,700, +5.8%) and the public sector (+98,100, +7.2%) and declined for the self-employed (-19,000, -1.7%).

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change for the private sector, public sector and the self-employed, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased in the private sector (+265,700, +5.8%) and the public sector (+98,100, +7.2%) and declined for the self-employed (-19,000, -1.7%).

The private sector had the largest increase in employment (+265,700, +5.8%), followed by the public sectorfootnote 2 (+98,100, +7.2%), while self-employment declined (-19,000, -1.7%).

Industry and occupation

In 2021, employment increased in both goods-producing (+55,900, +4.0%) and services-producing (+289,000, +5.2%) industries.

Employment change by industry, goods-producing industries, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by industry for goods-producing industries, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment in three goods-producing industries increased: manufacturing (+38,700, +5.2%), construction (+19,200, +3.7%) and utilities (+2,700, +5.3%). Employment in two goods-producing industries declined: forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil (-300, -0.8%) and agriculture (-4,400, -6.1%). The overall employment in goods-producin

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by industry for goods-producing industries, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment in three goods-producing industries increased: manufacturing (+38,700, +5.2%), construction (+19,200, +3.7%) and utilities (+2,700, +5.3%). Employment in two goods-producing industries declined: forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil (-300, -0.8%) and agriculture (-4,400, -6.1%). The overall employment in goods-producing industries increased by 55,900 (+4.0%).

Among goods-producing industries, manufacturing recorded the highest employment growth (+5.2%), followed by construction (+3.7%) and utilities (+5.3%). Agriculture (-6.1%) and forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (-0.8%) recorded employment declines.

Employment change by industry, services-producing industries, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by industry for services-producing industries, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. All except two of the services-producing industries experienced an increase in employment, with the largest increase in professional, scientific and technical services (+73,700, +11.1%), followed by health care and social assistance (+48,700, +5.6%) and wholesale and retail trade (+45,400, +4.4%). Business, building and other supp

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by industry for services-producing industries, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. All except two of the services-producing industries experienced an increase in employment, with the largest increase in professional, scientific and technical services (+73,700, +11.1%), followed by health care and social assistance (+48,700, +5.6%) and wholesale and retail trade (+45,400, +4.4%). Business, building and other support services (-7,600, -2.6%) and other services (except public administration) (-9,100, -3.2%) were the only industries that experienced a decline in employment over this period. The overall employment in services-producing industries increased by 289,000 (+5.2%).

Most services-producing industries experienced employment growth in 2021. Professional, scientific and technical services industries (+11.1%) had the greatest net employment growth, followed by health care and social assistance (+5.6%) and wholesale and retail trade (+4.4%). Business, building and other support services (-2.6%) and other services (except public administration) (-3.2%) were the only two industries that experienced employment declines.

Employment change by occupational group, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by broad occupational group, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased on all broad occupational groups, except natural resources, agriculture and related production (-4,300, -4.4%). Business, finance and administration occupations experienced the largest employment increase (+106,400, +8.8%), followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations (+58,300, +8.7%), education, law and soc

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by broad occupational group, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased on all broad occupational groups, except natural resources, agriculture and related production (-4,300, -4.4%). Business, finance and administration occupations experienced the largest employment increase (+106,400, +8.8%), followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations (+58,300, +8.7%), education, law and social, community and government services (+50,300, +6.3%) and health occupations (+33,900, +6.5%).

Among broad occupational groups, business, finance and administration occupations (+8.8%) saw the largest increase in employment followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations (+8.7%) and education, law and social, community and government services (+6.3%). Natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations was the only broad occupational group to experience a decline in employment (-4.4%).

Regions

Ontario regions

The map shows Ontario’s five regions: Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. This map is based on Ministry of Finance’s groupings of Statistics Canada’s economic regions.

The map shows Ontario’s five regions: Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area. This map is based on Ministry of Finance’s groupings of Statistics Canada’s economic regions.

Employment change by region, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change in the five Ontario regions (Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)), measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased in all Ontario regions in 2021. Employment increased the most in the GTA (+169,600, +5.0%), followed by Central Ontario (+69,700, +4.3%), Southwestern Ontario (+61,300, +7.9%), Eastern Ontario (+43,700, +4.8%), and Nort

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario's annual employment change in the five Ontario regions (Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)), measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased in all Ontario regions in 2021. Employment increased the most in the GTA (+169,600, +5.0%), followed by Central Ontario (+69,700, +4.3%), Southwestern Ontario (+61,300, +7.9%), Eastern Ontario (+43,700, +4.8%), and Northern Ontario (+600, +0.2%). The overall employment in Ontario increased by 344,800 (+4.9%).

In 2021, all Ontario regions experienced employment growth. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) experienced the largest employment increase (+169,600); however, Southwestern Ontario experienced the greatest percentage increase in employment (+7.9%), followed by the GTA (+5.0%).

Unemployment rate by region, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows unemployment rates by Ontario region in 2021, measured in per cent with annual percentage point changes in brackets. The Greater Toronto Area had the highest unemployment rate at 9.0% (-1.8 p.p.), followed by Central Ontario (7.4%, -1.5 p.p.), Southwestern Ontario (7.3%, -1.7). Northern Ontario (6.8%, -1.0 p.p.) and Eastern Ontario (6.5%, -1.1 p.p.). Ontario’s unemployment rate in 2021 was 8.0% (-1.6 p.p.).

The horizontal bar chart shows unemployment rates by Ontario region in 2021, measured in per cent with annual percentage point changes in brackets. The Greater Toronto Area had the highest unemployment rate at 9.0% (-1.8 p.p.), followed by Central Ontario (7.4%, -1.5 p.p.), Southwestern Ontario (7.3%, -1.7). Northern Ontario (6.8%, -1.0 p.p.) and Eastern Ontario (6.5%, -1.1 p.p.). Ontario’s unemployment rate in 2021 was 8.0% (-1.6 p.p.).

In 2021, the unemployment rate decreased in every region. The GTA had the highest unemployment rate (9.0%) while Eastern Ontario had the lowest unemployment rate (6.5%).

Participation rate by region, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows participation rates by Ontario region in 2021, measured in per cent with annual percentage point changes in brackets. The Greater Toronto Area had the highest participation rate at 67.0% (+1.2 p.p.), followed by Central Ontario (64.0%, +1.0 p.p.), Eastern Ontario (63.8%, +1.5 p.p.), Southwestern Ontario (62.5%, +3.0 p.p.) and Northern Ontario (58.1%, -0.3 p.p.). The overall participation rate for Ontario was 64.9% (+1.3 p.p.).

 

The horizontal bar chart shows participation rates by Ontario region in 2021, measured in per cent with annual percentage point changes in brackets. The Greater Toronto Area had the highest participation rate at 67.0% (+1.2 p.p.), followed by Central Ontario (64.0%, +1.0 p.p.), Eastern Ontario (63.8%, +1.5 p.p.), Southwestern Ontario (62.5%, +3.0 p.p.) and Northern Ontario (58.1%, -0.3 p.p.). The overall participation rate for Ontario was 64.9% (+1.3 p.p.).

 

In 2021, the participation rate increased in every region except in Northern Ontario (-0.3 percentage point). The GTA had the highest participation rate (67.0%), while Northern Ontario had the lowest participation rate (58.1%).

Demographic groups

Employment change by age group and gender, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change for three age groups, as well as by gender, compared to the overall population, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased among workers in all age groups. Ontarians aged 25 to 54 years had the greatest number of job gains (+197,400, +4.3%). Employment increased for Ontarians aged 15 to 24 years (87,100, +10.2%) and for Ontarians aged 55 years and over (+60,400, +3.8%). Total employment (for popula

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change for three age groups, as well as by gender, compared to the overall population, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased among workers in all age groups. Ontarians aged 25 to 54 years had the greatest number of job gains (+197,400, +4.3%). Employment increased for Ontarians aged 15 to 24 years (87,100, +10.2%) and for Ontarians aged 55 years and over (+60,400, +3.8%). Total employment (for population aged 15 and over) increased by 344,800 (+4.9%). Male employment increased by 163,600 (+4.4%) and female employment increased by 181,200 (+5.5%).

In 2021, employment increased for all age groups and for both females and males. Females (+5.5%) experienced a greater increase in employment compared to males (+4.4%). Employment levels increased the most for core-aged workers aged 25 to 54 years (+197,400, +4.3%), while youth aged 15 to 24 years registered the greatest percentage increase in employment (+10.2%).

Employment change by education level, 25 to 54 years, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by education level for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years old) in 2021, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Those with a university degree (+187,200, +7.4%) and a postsecondary certificate or diploma (+110,200, +5.3%) were the only educational groups to experience an increase in employment. Employment declined for high school graduates (-27,100, -2.1%), and those without a high school diploma (-12,500, -4.

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by education level for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years old) in 2021, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. Those with a university degree (+187,200, +7.4%) and a postsecondary certificate or diploma (+110,200, +5.3%) were the only educational groups to experience an increase in employment. Employment declined for high school graduates (-27,100, -2.1%), and those without a high school diploma (-12,500, -4.3%).

Among the core-aged population, employment increased for those with a postsecondary credential, driven by university graduates (+187,200, +7.4%) and those with a postsecondary certificate or diploma (+110,200, +5.3%). Those with less than a high school credential experienced the greatest percentage decline in employment (-4.3%).

Employment change by immigrant status, 25 to 54 years, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by immigrant status for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years old) in 2021, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. All groups by immigrant status experienced employment gains, with the largest increase for established immigrants who landed more than 10 years earlier (+78,600, +7.4%), followed by those born in Canada (+53,900, +1.8%), very recent immigrants who landed 5 years or less earlier (+23,000, +10.4%) and

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by immigrant status for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years old) in 2021, measured in thousands of jobs with percentage changes in brackets. All groups by immigrant status experienced employment gains, with the largest increase for established immigrants who landed more than 10 years earlier (+78,600, +7.4%), followed by those born in Canada (+53,900, +1.8%), very recent immigrants who landed 5 years or less earlier (+23,000, +10.4%) and recent immigrants who landed more than 5 to 10 years earlier (+16,700, +6.4%).

In 2021, both landed immigrants and those born in Canada experienced an increase in employment, with very recent immigrants recording the greatest percentage increase in employment (+10.4%), followed by established immigrants (+7.4%), recent immigrants (+6.4%), and those born in Canada (+1.8%).

Wages

Real hourly wage change by type of work, 2021

The vertical bar chart shows the annual change in Ontario’s real hourly wages by type of work in 2021, measured in per cent. The average hourly wage declined by 1.5%. Hourly wages decreased for both full-time (-1.2%) and part-time employees (-2.3%); permanent employees (-1.5%); and employees with union coverage (-2.0%) and those without union coverage (-1.2%). Temporary employees was the only group to experience an increase in hourly wages (+0.4%)

The vertical bar chart shows the annual change in Ontario’s real hourly wages by type of work in 2021, measured in per cent. The average hourly wage declined by 1.5%. Hourly wages decreased for both full-time (-1.2%) and part-time employees (-2.3%); permanent employees (-1.5%); and employees with union coverage (-2.0%) and those without union coverage (-1.2%). Temporary employees was the only group to experience an increase in hourly wages (+0.4%).

In 2021, the average hourly wage of Ontario employees was $30.82 per hour, an increase of 1.9% or a decrease of 1.5% in real termsfootnote 3 (after accounting for inflation) since 2020.

Real average wages declined for both full-time and part-time workers in 2021, after significant growth in 2020, which was in part due to compositional changes in employment. In 2021, real hourly wages of permanent workers decreased by 1.5%, while those of temporary workers increased by 0.4%. Real hourly wages of both unionized and non-unionized employees decreased.

Average hourly wage by occupational group, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows average hourly wage rates in 2021, measured in dollars with per cent growth in real wages in brackets, by occupational group. In 2021, the average hourly wage rate for Ontario was $30.82 (-1.5%). The highest average hourly wage rate was for management occupations at $51.01 (+0.5%); followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations at $40.68 (-1.7%); and occupations in education, law and social, community and government services at $37.07 (-4.2%). The lowest aver

The horizontal bar chart shows average hourly wage rates in 2021, measured in dollars with per cent growth in real wages in brackets, by occupational group. In 2021, the average hourly wage rate for Ontario was $30.82 (-1.5%). The highest average hourly wage rate was for management occupations at $51.01 (+0.5%); followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations at $40.68 (-1.7%); and occupations in education, law and social, community and government services at $37.07 (-4.2%). The lowest average hourly wage rate was for sales and service occupations at $20.00 (-2.3%).

In 2021, employees in management occupations had the highest average hourly wage ($51.01), followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations ($40.68) and occupations in education, law and social, community and government services ($37.07). Employees in sales and service occupations had the lowest average hourly wage ($20.00).

Employment change by hourly wage, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by hourly wage in 2021, measured in per cent. Employment increased the most for those earning at least $40 per hour (+9.2%), followed by those earning hourly wages of $20.00 to $39.99 (+8.4%) and those earning less than $20 per hour (+0.4%).

The horizontal bar chart shows Ontario’s annual employment change by hourly wage in 2021, measured in per cent. Employment increased the most for those earning at least $40 per hour (+9.2%), followed by those earning hourly wages of $20.00 to $39.99 (+8.4%) and those earning less than $20 per hour (+0.4%).

In 2021, employment of workers earning less than $20.00 per hour increased by 0.4%, while employment of those earning from $20.00 to $39.99 per hour increased by 8.4% and employment of those earning $40.00 or more increased by 9.2%.footnote 4

Hours Worked

Total weekly hours worked, 1997-2021

The line chart shows Ontario’s total weekly hours worked from 1997 through 2021, measured in millions of hours. Ontario’s total weekly hours have risen steadily since 1997 with a few exceptions when hours worked declined in 2009, 2014 and 2020. The decrease in total weekly hours worked from 2019 to 2020 was sharper compared to previous declines. However, total weekly hours increased in 2021 to 242.9 million weekly hours, slightly below it’s 2019 pre-pandemic level of 243.5 million weekly hours.

The line chart shows Ontario’s total weekly hours worked from 1997 through 2021, measured in millions of hours. Ontario’s total weekly hours have risen steadily since 1997 with a few exceptions when hours worked declined in 2009, 2014 and 2020. The decrease in total weekly hours worked from 2019 to 2020 was sharper compared to previous declines. However, total weekly hours increased in 2021 to 242.9 million weekly hours, slightly below it’s 2019 pre-pandemic level of 243.5 million weekly hours.

In 2021, total weekly hours workedfootnote 5 increased by 9.6% and were 0.2% lower compared to 2019. 

Employment by reduced hours, 1997-2021

The vertical bar chart shows Ontario’s employment by reduced hours of work from 1997 through 2021, measured in thousands. Following a sharp increase in 2020 to 726,000, employment of those who worked zero hours and those who worked less than half of their usual hours in 2021 during the reference week decreased by over 37% to 455,100. However, the 2021 employment level for those who worked zero hours and those who worked less than half of their usual hours remained 44% above the 2019 level (315,900).

The vertical bar chart shows Ontario’s employment by reduced hours of work from 1997 through 2021, measured in thousands. Following a sharp increase in 2020 to 726,000, employment of those who worked zero hours and those who worked less than half of their usual hours in 2021 during the reference week decreased by over 37% to 455,100. However, the 2021 employment level for those who worked zero hours and those who worked less than half of their usual hours remained 44% above the 2019 level (315,900).

In 2021, there were an estimated 455,100 employees who worked reduced hours, including 346,800 of those who worked zero hoursfootnote 6 and 108,300 of employees who worked less than half their usual hoursfootnote 7. The number of employees working reduced hours in 2021 was 37.3% lower compared to 2020, but 44.0% higher compared to 2019.

Average actual hours worked by worker status, worked in reference week, all jobs, 2019, 2020 and 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows the average actual hours worked in all jobs by worker status for those who worked in the reference week in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The average actual hours worked by part-time workers in all jobs were 18.2 hours in 2019, 17.7 hours in 2020 and 18.2 in 2021. The average actual hours worked by full-time workers in all jobs were 39.8 hours in 2019, 39.4 hours in 2020 and 39.9 hours in 2021. The average actual hours worked by all workers who worked in the reference week were 35.9 hou

The horizontal bar chart shows the average actual hours worked in all jobs by worker status for those who worked in the reference week in 2019, 2020 and 2021. The average actual hours worked by part-time workers in all jobs were 18.2 hours in 2019, 17.7 hours in 2020 and 18.2 in 2021. The average actual hours worked by full-time workers in all jobs were 39.8 hours in 2019, 39.4 hours in 2020 and 39.9 hours in 2021. The average actual hours worked by all workers who worked in the reference week were 35.9 hours in 2019 and 2020, and 36.2 hours in 2021.

In 2021, part-time workers worked 18.2 hours per week, an increase of 0.5 hours compared to 2020. Those who worked full-time worked 39.9 hours per week, an increase of 0.5 hours compared to 2020. However, the average total hours worked by all workers in all jobs increased by 0.3 hours, in part due to the greater percentage increase in part-time employment.footnote 8

Unemployment

Unemployment rate by province, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows the unemployment rate by province in 2021, measured in per cent with percentage point change from the previous year in brackets. Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest unemployment rate at 12.9% (-1.2 p.p.) followed by Prince Edward Island at 9.2% (-1.2 p.p.), and New Brunswick at 9.0% (-1.0 p.p.). Quebec had the lowest unemployment rate at 6.1% (-2.8 p.p.), and Ontario had the fifth lowest unemployment rate at 8.0% (-1.6 p.p.), above the national rate of 7.5% (-2.0 p.p.).

The horizontal bar chart shows the unemployment rate by province in 2021, measured in per cent with percentage point change from the previous year in brackets. Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest unemployment rate at 12.9% (-1.2 p.p.) followed by Prince Edward Island at 9.2% (-1.2 p.p.), and New Brunswick at 9.0% (-1.0 p.p.). Quebec had the lowest unemployment rate at 6.1% (-2.8 p.p.), and Ontario had the fifth lowest unemployment rate at 8.0% (-1.6 p.p.), above the national rate of 7.5% (-2.0 p.p.).

In 2021, all provinces experienced a decline in their unemployment rate. Ontario’s unemployment rate declined to 8.0%, a 1.6 percentage points decrease compared to 2020. Ontario had the fifth lowest unemployment rate among the ten provinces and was 0.5 percentage point above the Canadian rate of 7.5%. Quebec had the lowest unemployment rate (6.1%) and Newfoundland and Labrador had the highest (12.9%).

Unemployment rate by age group, 1997-2021

The line chart shows unemployment rates for three groups: youth (15 to 24 years), core-aged (25 to 54 years) and older population (55 years and older) from 1997 to 2021. The unemployment rate decreased for youth (from 22.0% in 2020 to 15.7% in 2021) and core-aged population (from 7.7% to 6.6%). The unemployment rate for older population experienced a slight increase compared to the previous year (from 7.0% to 7.2%). The unemployment rates for all age groups in 2021 remained elevated compared to 2019. The un

The line chart shows unemployment rates for three groups: youth (15 to 24 years), core-aged (25 to 54 years) and older population (55 years and older) from 1997 to 2021. The unemployment rate decreased for youth (from 22.0% in 2020 to 15.7% in 2021) and core-aged population (from 7.7% to 6.6%). The unemployment rate for older population experienced a slight increase compared to the previous year (from 7.0% to 7.2%). The unemployment rates for all age groups in 2021 remained elevated compared to 2019. The unemployment rate of youth has historically been higher than those of the core-aged and older population.

In 2021, the unemployment rate decreased for youth aged 15 to 25 years (-6.3 percentage points) and the core-aged population aged 25 to 54 years (-1.1 percentage points) but remained elevated compared to 2019. The unemployment rate for the older population aged 55 years and over experienced a slight increase compared to 2020 (+0.2 percentage point). Youth had the highest unemployment rate (15.7%), followed by the older population (7.2%) and the core-aged population (6.6%).

Share of long-term unemployment, 1997-2021

The line chart shows the share of those unemployed for long term as a share of total unemployment from 1997 to 2021, measured in per cent. The share has fluctuated in the past reaching lows of 12.8% in 2001, 13.1% in 2007 and 14.7% in 2020. The share has been gradually declining since 2010 before rebounding and reaching a high of 28.3% in 2021.

The line chart shows the share of those unemployed for long term as a share of total unemployment from 1997 to 2021, measured in per cent. The share has fluctuated in the past reaching lows of 12.8% in 2001, 13.1% in 2007 and 14.7% in 2020. The share has been gradually declining since 2010 before rebounding and reaching a high of 28.3% in 2021.

Long-term unemployment (unemployed for 27 weeks or more) as a share of total unemployment experienced a sharp increase from 14.7% in 2020 to almost doubling to 28.3% in 2021, reaching the highest point since 1997.

The average duration of unemployment in 2021 was 23.2 weeks, 7.9 weeks higher than the average in 2020 (15.3 weeks).

Participation rates

Participation rate by province, 2021

The horizontal bar chart shows the participation rate by province in 2021, measured in per cent with percentage point change from the previous year in brackets. Alberta had the highest participation rate at 69.2% (+0.6 p.p.), followed by Saskatchewan at 67.1% (+0.2 p.p.), and Manitoba at 66.4% (+0.9 p.p.). Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest participation rate at 56.7% (+0.8 p.p.) Ontario had the sixth highest participation rate at 64.9% (+1.3 p.p.), slightly below the national rate of 65.1% (+1.0 p.p.

The horizontal bar chart shows the participation rate by province in 2021, measured in per cent with percentage point change from the previous year in brackets. Alberta had the highest participation rate at 69.2% (+0.6 p.p.), followed by Saskatchewan at 67.1% (+0.2 p.p.), and Manitoba at 66.4% (+0.9 p.p.). Newfoundland and Labrador had the lowest participation rate at 56.7% (+0.8 p.p.) Ontario had the sixth highest participation rate at 64.9% (+1.3 p.p.), slightly below the national rate of 65.1% (+1.0 p.p.).

In 2021, Ontario’s participation rate for people aged 15 years and over was 64.9%, an increase of 1.3 percentage points compared to 2020. The participation rate in Ontario was lower than the Canadian rate by 0.2 percentage point and ranked sixth out of the ten provinces. Participation rates in all other provinces also increased in 2021.

While Ontario’s participation rate has been on the decline since 2003, in part due to an aging population, the bounce back experienced in 2021 (+1.3 percentage points) brought it back to the same rate as 2019, mitigating the sharp decline experienced in 2020. In 2021, there were 213,600 people who wanted work but were not part of the labour force, which is 32.2% less than in 2020.

Participation rate by gender, 2021

The line chart shows participation rates for the total population, males, and females from 1997 to 2021, measured in per cent. The participation rate of males has historically been higher than that of females. The participation rate of males has declined from 72.8% in 1997 to a low of 68.4% in 2020, increasing to 69.7% in 2021, with some fluctuations in between, and that of the total population has declined from 65.8% in 1997 to a low of 63.6% in 2020, increasing to 64.9% in 2021. The participation rate of

The line chart shows participation rates for the total population, males, and females from 1997 to 2021, measured in per cent. The participation rate of males has historically been higher than that of females. The participation rate of males has declined from 72.8% in 1997 to a low of 68.4% in 2020, increasing to 69.7% in 2021, with some fluctuations in between, and that of the total population has declined from 65.8% in 1997 to a low of 63.6% in 2020, increasing to 64.9% in 2021. The participation rate of females has been increasing since 1997 (59.0%) and then decreasing since the early 2000s reaching 58.9% in 2020 and 60.2% in 2021. For males, the bounce back experienced in 2021 was higher than the decline experienced in the previous year. For females, the bounce back was slightly less than the decline experienced in the previous year.

In 2021, the participation rate of males increased by 1.3 percentage points to 69.7%, recovering from the decline experienced in 2020 and rising 0.2 percentage point above its pre-pandemic rate in 2019. The participation rate of females also increased by 1.3 percentage points in 2021 to 60.2%, however, it is 0.2 percentage point below its pre-pandemic rate of 2019.

Participation rate by age group, 1997-2021

The line chart shows the participation rate for the three age groups: youth (15 to 24 years), core-aged (25 to 54 years) and older population (55 years and older) from 1997 to 2021, measured in per cent. In 1997, core-aged population had the highest participation rate (84.7%), followed by youth (63.0%) and older population (25.1%). Over 1997-2021, the rate declined for youth, increased for older population and stayed relatively unchanged for core-aged population. The participation rates of all the three age

The line chart shows the participation rate for the three age groups: youth (15 to 24 years), core-aged (25 to 54 years) and older population (55 years and older) from 1997 to 2021, measured in per cent. In 1997, core-aged population had the highest participation rate (84.7%), followed by youth (63.0%) and older population (25.1%). Over 1997-2021, the rate declined for youth, increased for older population and stayed relatively unchanged for core-aged population. The participation rates of all the three age groups increased from 2020 to 2021: from 84.9% to 86.9% for core-aged population, from 58.8% to 60.3% for youth and from 37.9% to 38.5% for older population. The rates of core-aged and older population exceeded their 2019 rates, while the rate of youth in 2021 was below their 2019 rate.

In 2021, the participation rate of the core-aged population increased by 2.0 percentage points to 86.9%. The participation rate of youth increased by 1.5 percentage points to 60.3%. The participation rate of the older population reached 38.5%, the highest rate since 1997.

Appendix

10-year overview of annual employment

Item2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Total Labour Force (000)7,238.77,325.17,345.37,343.07,408.97,506.57,608.97,816.37,766.08,006.8
Participation Rate (%)66.066.165.765.164.964.764.364.963.664.9
Male Participation Rate (%)70.770.570.270.069.669.368.869.568.469.7
Female Participation Rate (%)61.561.961.360.560.460.260.160.458.960.2
Total Employment (000)6,666.76,768.16,809.16,845.46,921.47,052.57,173.37,376.97,021.67,366.4
Full-time (000)5,389.05,449.15,486.65,557.45,610.55,713.25,845.76,000.35,797.46,070.8
Part-time (000)1,277.71,318.91,322.51,288.01,310.91,339.31,327.61,376.61,224.31,295.6
Employment-Population Ratio (%)60.861.160.960.760.660.860.661.257.559.7
Male Employment (000)3,470.13,508.93,549.13,583.93,622.63,692.13,760.63,874.73,722.13,885.7
Female Employment (000)3,196.63,259.13,260.13,261.43,298.83,360.43,412.73,502.23,299.63,480.8
Part-Time (% of total)19.219.519.418.818.919.018.518.717.417.6
Goods-Producing Sector Employment (000)1,406.81,381.01,366.41,393.81,425.11,439.41,463.91,467.31,410.71,466.6
Services-Producing Sector Employment (000)5,259.95,387.15,442.75,451.65,496.35,613.15,709.55,909.75,610.95,899.9
Private Sector Employment (000)4,347.14,405.34,473.54,505.54,544.14,640.14,716.74,830.64,542.04,807.7
Public Sector Employment (000)1,289.51,310.01,298.11,281.21,293.71,318.81,359.71,375.41,358.81,456.9
Self-Employment (%of total)15.415.615.215.515.715.515.315.916.015.0
Total Unemployment (000)572.0557.0536.2497.6487.5454.0435.6439.4744.4640.4
Unemployment Rate (%)7.97.67.36.86.66.05.75.69.68.0
Male Unemployment Rate (%)8.28.07.57.06.86.35.75.89.28.0
Female Unemployment Rate (%)7.57.27.16.56.35.85.75.510.08.0
Long-Term (27 wks+) (% of total)22.823.122.920.020.019.516.915.014.728.3
Average Unemployment in Weeks22.321.922.520.020.019.317.215.815.323.2
Youth Unemployment Rate (%)16.615.915.214.313.712.211.812.02215.7
25-54 y.o. Unemployment rate (%)6.56.36.05.65.55.14.84.67.76.6
55+ y.o. Unemployment rate (%)5.95.65.55.05.04.64.34.27.07.2
Average Weekly Wage Rate ($)883.62896.44907.05938.01958.16965.71998.411033.381113.991133.90
Average Hourly Wage Rate ($)24.1024.5024.8125.5826.1326.3827.2828.2630.2430.82

Employment by region (000)

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Greater Toronto Area3,099.63,214.93,202.73,264.83,303.93,363.53,432.83,548.33,381.83,551.4
Central1537.21542.41577.61582.31589.71653.61659.81696.31616.51686.2
Southwest768.0764.0771.5769.7779.9785.8808.4810.6771.4832.7
East904.1890.7899.4881.5898.2898.5915.1964.5908.5952.2
North357.8356.1358.0347.1349.7351.0357.3357.2343.3343.9

Unemployment rate by region (%)

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Greater Toronto Area8.88.28.07.17.06.56.26.010.79.0
Central7.16.96.25.95.95.45.35.28.87.4
Southwest7.97.77.06.96.15.65.35.59.07.3
East6.66.67.06.66.45.95.04.97.76.5
North7.27.56.67.27.26.56.06.17.86.8

Total employment by CMA (000)

Greater Toronto Area

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Toronto2,942.93,061.13,043.43,114.13,140.13,206.73,262.43,385.73,221.83,393.4
Oshawa188.3191.5197.3191.4208.3204.6214.6213.0205.5209.6

Central Ontario

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Hamilton373.7369.9376.9377.4377.3408.3403.0411.2384.9408.2
Kitchener279.0284.4288.9288.1291.7301.6309.4322.7306.2321.4
St. Catharines-Niagara200.0192.2194.3204.4204.9200.8205.7204.3190.6198.7
Peterborough58.154.259.159.858.661.364.662.053.663.1
Brantford67.168.368.169.070.071.969.678.171.974.1
Guelph83.678.780.589.390.190.588.291.185.192.3
Barrie101.3107.8109.3105.7101.8113.0112.2116.9117.6114.5

Eastern Ontario

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Ottawa540.4524.7532.4528.6542.5547.9558.4588.0557.1588.7
Kingston79.280.278.579.580.384.082.983.780.081.1
Belleville52.939.534.431.933.740.041.351.749.350.0

Southwestern Ontario

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
London240.0236.2238.0247.5242.8244.3254.0253.8257.2282.7
Windsor152.1154.4154.8156.5162.5161.2164.1170.9152.2168.5

Northern Ontario

Region2012201320142015201620172018201920202021
Sudbury81.784.083.482.182.881.783.086.981.182.0
Thunder Bay61.562.561.359.360.061.564.362.759.061.1

Note: All estimates in this appendix are based on Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.

Footnotes

  • footnote[1] Back to paragraph Since 1976, as this is the earliest year of the Labour Force Survey data available on statcan.gc.ca.
  • footnote[2] Back to paragraph Public sector includes the federal, provincial, territorial and local general governments, health and social service institutions, universities, colleges, vocational and trade institutions, school boards, and government business enterprises.
  • footnote[3] Back to paragraph Real wages are based on nominal wages deflated by the Ontario Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items. Self-employment is excluded.
  • footnote[4] Back to paragraph Comparisons are based on nominal wages.
  • footnote[5] Back to paragraph This is a 12-month average of the total number of hours actually worked by all employed persons in the Labour Force Survey reference weeks.
  • footnote[6] Back to paragraph Employed, worked zero hours includes employees and self-employed who were absent from work all week, but excludes people who have been away for reasons such as 'vacation,' 'maternity,' 'seasonal business 'and labour dispute.'
  • footnote[7] Back to paragraph Employed, worked less than half of their usual hours includes both employees and self-employed, where only employees were asked to provide a reason for the absence. This excludes reasons for absence such as 'vacation,' 'labour dispute,' 'maternity,' 'holiday,' and 'weather.' Also excludes those who were away all week.
  • footnote[8] Back to paragraph This analysis includes only those workers that were at work during the Labour Force Survey reference week. When all employed persons are included, the average actual hours across all jobs were 33.0, above 31.6 in 2020 and the same level as in 2019.