July to September, 2022
Introduction
About the Ontario Employment Report
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.
Methodological note
In the current issue, year-over-year change represents change between the averages in the third quarter of 2021 and the third quarter of 2022. Note that the Ontario Economic Accounts report primarily shows changes between the previous and the current quarter.
This report uses seasonally adjusted data in charts displaying data with a monthly frequency in the Overview section.
Unadjusted data are used in charts and tables showing the changes for the current quarter compared with the same quarter for the previous year. Unadjusted data are also used to calculate annual averages, year-to-date averages and 2022 third quarter averages.
All estimates in this 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. The reference periods for the three months of the third quarter of 2022 are July 10 to 16, August 14 to 20 and September 11 through 17.
Overview
Ontario’s labour market overview
Employment:
- +232,400 net jobs in Q3 2022, year-over-year
- +244,900 net full-time jobs in Q3 2022, year-over-year
- -31,500 net jobs in September 2022
- +3,500 full-time jobs in September 2022
Unemployment rate:
- 5.8% in the third quarter of 2022
- 5.8% in September 2022
Year-over-year, Ontario’s employment increased by 3.1% (+232,400) in the third quarter of 2022, while Canada’s employment increased by 2.9% (+563,200).
Ontario’s unemployment rate was 5.8% in the third quarter of 2022, slightly higher than the Canadian rate of 5.3%.
In September 2022, Ontario’s employment decreased slightly (-31,500, -0.4%), driven by a decline in part-time employment (-35,000, -2.6%). Canada’s employment was little changed in September 2022 (+21,100, +0.1%).
In September 2022, the unemployment rate in Ontario edged up from 5.7% to 5.8% and the rate in Canada decreased slightly from 5.4% to 5.2%.
Year-over-year overview
Ontario’s labour market, 2008-2022
The combination line and area chart shows Ontario’s unemployment rate (line chart) and employment (area chart) from January 2008 to September 2022. Ontario’s unemployment rate has trended downwards since the 2008/09 recession, reaching 5.3% in January 2020, before rising to 13.5% in May 2020, and falling to 5.8% in September 2022. Employment in Ontario has risen steadily since the 2008/09 recession, reaching just under 7.5 million workers in January 2020, before dropping to below 6.4 million workers in May 2020, then rising to over 7.6 million workers in September 2022.
Between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022:
- employment gains were driven by growth in full-time employment (+244,900, +4.0%) while part-time employment decreased (-12,500, -1.0%);
- employment increased in the private sector (+3.5%) and public sector (+5.1%), but declined for those who are self-employed (-1.2%);
- employment increased in services-producing industries (+2.6%) and goods-producing industries (+5.2%);
- employment increased in every region with Central Ontario (+5.0%) experiencing the highest rate of employment growth; and
- employment increased for all age groups with core-aged workers experiencing the highest rate of employment growth (+3.6%) compared to other age groups.
Type of Work quarterly details
Employment change by work status
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment by full-time and part-time status. Total employment increased by 232,400 (+3.1%), with full-time employment increasing by 244,900 (+4.0%), and part-time employment decreasing by 12,500 (-1.0%).
Year-over-year, full-time employment increased by 4.0% and part-time employment decreased by 1.0% in the third quarter of 2022.
Employment change by employment sector
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment for the private sector, public sector and self-employment. Employment increased in the private sector by 172,200 (+3.5%) and the public sector by 73,100 (+5.1%) and declined for the self-employed by 13,000 (-1.2%).
Year-over-year, employment increased by 3.5% for the private sector and 5.1% for the public sector
Employment change by above-average wage and below-average wage industries
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment for above- and below-average wage industries, compared to the paid employment in all industries. Employment increased in both above-average wage (+190,400, +7.0%) and below-average wage (+55,000 or +1.5%) industries. Paid employment in all industries (excluding self-employment) increased by 245,300 (+3.8%). Above-average wage industries are defined as those with wage rates above the average hourly wages of all industries in 2021.
Year-over-year, paid employment increased by 7.0% in above-average wage industries and by 1.5% in below-average wage industries.
Sector and occupation quarterly details
Employment change by industry, goods-producing industries
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment by industry for goods-producing industries, measured in thousands with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased in all five goods-producing industries: construction (+9.8%), utilities (+14.8%), forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (+19.9%), manufacturing (+0.6%), and agriculture (+5.7%). The overall employment in goods-producing industries increased by 78,600 (+5.2%).
Employment in goods-producing industries increased by 5.2% in the third quarter of 2022, compared to the same period in 2021. The overall gain was driven by increases in construction (+9.8%), while the remaining industries also experienced employment increases, with forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas reporting the largest rate of employment growth (+19.9%).
Employment change by industry, services-producing industries
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment by industry for services-producing industries, measured in thousands with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased in seven of the eleven services-producing industries. Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+9.5%) experienced the largest increase in employment, followed by professional, scientific and technical services (+5.3%), wholesale and retail trade (+2.6%), public administration (+5.9%), information, culture and recreation (+6.2%), transportation and warehousing (+2.0%), and educational services (+1.0%). Employment declined in other services (except public administration) (-6.8%), health care and social assistance (-0.7%), accommodation and food services (-0.9%) and business, building and other support services (-0.5%). The overall employment in services-producing industries increased by 153,800 (+2.6%).
In the third quarter of 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, employment increased in the services-producing industries (+2.6%). Among services-producing industries, finance, insurance, real estate and leasing experienced the largest employment gain and the highest rate of employment growth (+9.5%). Six additional services-producing industries experienced employment growth led by professional, scientific and technical services (+5.3%) and wholesale and retail trade (+2.6%). Four industry groups experienced a decline in employment with the largest decrease in other services (except public administration) (-6.8%).
Employment change by occupational group
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment by broad occupational group measured in thousands with percentage changes in brackets. Management occupations (+17.3%) experienced the largest employment increase, followed by trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (+4.2%), natural and applied sciences and related occupations (+4.9%), occupations in manufacturing and utilities (+8.0%), occupations in education, law and social, community and government services (+3.4%), sales and service occupations (+1.1%), natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations (+5.6%), health occupations (+0.2%), and occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport (+0.1%). Employment declined in business, finance and administration occupations (-3.4%).
Year-over-year, employment increased in every broad occupational group, except in business, finance and administration (-3.4%). Management occupations (+17.3%) experienced the highest rate of employment growth and the largest employment gain followed by trades, transport and equipment operators and related occupations (+4.2%), and natural and applied sciences and related occupations (+4.9%).
Geographic region
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 groupings of Statistics Canada’s economic regions.
Employment change by Ontario region
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in employment in the five Ontario regions: Northern Ontario, Eastern Ontario, Southwestern Ontario, Central Ontario and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Employment increased in Central Ontario (+5.0%), the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) (+2.2%), Eastern Ontario (+4.4%), Southwestern Ontario (+2.2%), and Northern Ontario (+2.0%). The overall employment in Ontario increased by 232,400 (+3.1%).
Year-over-year, employment increased in all Ontario regions in the third quarter of 2022. Central Ontario experienced the highest rate of employment growth (+5.0%) and the largest employment gain, followed by the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
Unemployment rates by Ontario region
The horizontal bar chart shows unemployment rates by Ontario region in the third quarter of 2022. The Greater Toronto Area had the highest unemployment rate (6.5%) followed by Southwestern Ontario (6.0%), Central Ontario (5.3%), Eastern Ontario (4.7%) and Northern Ontario (+4.6%). The overall unemployment rate for Ontario was 5.8%. Estimates are based on a three-month moving average for September 2022, using unadjusted data. The seasonally adjusted estimate for Ontario in 2022Q3 is 5.6%.
In the third quarter of 2022, the unemloyment rate decreased in every region. The GTA had the highest unemployment rate (6.5%), while Northern Ontario had the lowest unemployment rate (4.6%).
Participation rates by Ontario region
The horizontal bar chart shows participation rates by Ontario region in the third quarter of 2022. The Greater Toronto Area had the highest participation rate at 67.0%, followed by Central Ontario (65.5%), Eastern Ontario (64.8%), Southwestern Ontario (62.5%) and Northern Ontario (58.2%). The overall participation rate for Ontario was 65.4%.
In the third quarter of 2022, the labour force participation rate varied among economic regions, ranging from 58.2% in Northern Ontario to 67.0% in the GTA.
Age and gender quarterly details
Employment change by age group and gender
The horizontal bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) change in Ontario’s employment for the three major age groups, as well as by gender, compared to the overall population. This is measured in thousands with percentage changes in brackets. Employment increased among workers in all age groups and for both males and females, with total employment increasing by 232,400 (+3.1%). Core-aged workers aged 25 to 54 posted the largest employment increase (+3.6%), followed by older workers aged 55 years and over (+2.0%) and youth aged 15 to 24 years (+2.4%). Female employment increased by 2.6% and male employment increased by 3.5%.
Compared to the same quarter last year, employment increased for all age groups in the third quarter of 2022. Core-aged workers aged 25 to 54 years posted the highest rate of employment growth (+3.6%), followed by youth aged 15 to 24 years (+2.4%) and older workers aged 55 years and over (+2.0%).
Year-over-year, employment increased more for males (+3.5%) than females (+2.6%).
Unemployment rates by age group and gender
The horizontal bar chart shows unemployment rates in the third quarter of 2022 for Ontario as a whole, by major age group and by gender. Ontario’s overall unemployment rate in the third quarter of 2022 was 5.8%. Youth aged 15 to 24 years had the highest unemployment rate at 11.6%, followed by the core-aged population aged 25 to 54 years at 4.9% and older Ontarians aged 55 years and over at 4.7%. The female unemployment rate was 6.4% and the male unemployment rate was 5.3%.
In the third quarter of 2022, youth had the highest unemployment rate (11.6%), followed by core-aged people (4.9%) and older people (4.7%). Compared to the same period last year, the unemployment rate decreased by 2.5 percentage points for youth, 1.9 percentage points for core-aged people and 3.0 percentage points for older people.
In the third quarter of 2022, the unemployment rate for females (6.4%) was higher than that for males (5.3%). Compared to the same period last year, the unemployment rate decreased by 2.6 percentage points for males and 1.9 percentage points for females.
Participation rates by age group and gender
The horizontal bar chart shows labour force participation rates in the third quarter of 2022 for Ontario as a whole, by major age group and by gender. Ontario’s overall labour force participation rate was 65.4%. The core-aged population aged 25 to 54 years had the highest labour force participation rate at 87.2%, followed by youth aged 15 to 24 years at 66.4%, and older Ontarians aged 55 years and over at 37.2%. The male participation rate (70.3%) was higher than the female participation rate (60.7%).
In the third quarter of 2022, core-aged people had the highest labour force participation rate (87.2%), followed by youth (66.4%) and older people (37.2%). Compared to the third quarter of 2021, the participation rate decreased by 0.5 percentage point for youth and 1.1 for older people, and was essentially unchanged for the core-aged population.
Males had a higher participation rate (70.3%) than females (60.7%) in the third quarter of 2022. Compared to the same period last year, the participation rate decreased by 0.6 percentage point for males and 0.5 percentage point for females.
Education level and immigrant status quarterly details
Employment rates by education level and immigrant status (core-aged population)
The horizontal bar chart shows employment rates by education level and immigrant status for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years), in the third quarter of 2022. By education level, those with a university degree had the highest employment rate (87.2%), followed by those with a postsecondary certificate/diploma (85.0%), those with a high school diploma (76.4%), and those with less than high school education (56.8%). By immigrant status, those born in Canada had the highest employment rate (84.5%), followed by established immigrants with more than 10 years since landing (83.0%), recent immigrants with more than 5 to 10 years since landing (78.3%), and very recent immigrants with 5 years or less since landing (77.6%). Rate by immigrant status is based on a three-month moving average for September 2022. Education level refers to the highest level of schooling completed.
In the third quarter of 2022, core-aged people with less than a high school diploma continued to have the lowest employment rate (56.8%), while those with a university degree recorded the highest employment rate (87.2%), followed by those with a postsecondary certificate or diploma (85.0%).
Year-over-year, the employment rate increased for all education levels, led by those with a high school diploma (+4.0 percentage points).
Those born in Canada had the highest employment rate (84.5%), while very recent immigrants had the lowest employment rate (77.6%).
Year-over-year, the employment rate increased for all groups by immigrant status, led by established immigrants (+4.0 percentage points).
Unemployment rates by education level and immigrant status (core-aged population)
The horizontal bar chart shows unemployment rates by education level and immigrant status for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years), in the third quarter of 2022. By education level, those with less than high school education had the highest unemployment rate (8.5%), followed by those with high school education (6.4%), those with a postsecondary certificate or diploma (4.4%) and university degree holders (4.4%). By immigrant status, very recent immigrants with 5 years or less since landing had the highest unemployment rate (8.2%), followed by recent immigrants with more than 5 to 10 years since landing (5.6%), established immigrants with more than 10 years since landing (4.7%), and those born in Canada (4.3%). Rate by immigrant status is based on a three-month moving average for September 2022. Education level refers to the highest level of schooling completed.
In the third quarter of 2022, core-aged population with a university degree and a postsecondary certificate or diploma had the lowest unemployment rate (4.4%) while those with less than a high school diploma had the highest unemployment rate (8.5%). Year-over-year, the unemployment rate of core-aged people decreased for all education levels led by those with less than a high school diploma (-6.3 percentage points).
Year-over-year, the unemployment rate also decreased for all groups by immigrant status, except very recent immigrants (+0.5 percentage point). In the third quarter of 2022, those born in Canada had the lowest unemployment rate (4.3%), while very recent immigrants had the highest unemployment rate (8.2%).
Participation rates by education level and immigrant status (core-aged population)
The horizontal bar chart shows labour force participation rates by education level and immigrant status for the core-aged population (25 to 54 years), in the third quarter of 2022. By education level, university degree holders had the highest participation rate (91.2%), followed by postsecondary certificate or diploma holders (88.9%), high school graduates (81.6%), and those with less than high school education (62.0%). By immigrant status, those born in Canada had the highest participation rate (88.3%), followed by established immigrants with more than 10 years since landing (87.1%), very recent immigrants with 5 years or less since landing (84.5%), and recent immigrants with more than 5 to 10 years since landing (82.9%). Rate by immigrant status is based on a three-month moving average for September 2022. Education level refers to the highest level of schooling completed.
In the third quarter of 2022, among core-aged population, those with a university degree continued to have the highest participation rate (91.2%), while those with less than a high school diploma had the lowest participation rate (62.0%). Year-over-year, the participation rate decreased for all groups except high school graduates (+1.8 percentage points).
In the third quarter of 2022, core-aged recent immigrants had the lowest participation rate (82.9%) compared to very recent immigrants, established immigrants and those born in Canada. Year-over-year, the participation rate decreased for recent immigrants and those born in Canada, while very recent immigrants and established immigrants experienced an increase.
Wages quarterly details
Average hourly wages by employment status, 1997-2021
The line chart shows average hourly wages for all employees, full-time and part-time employees expressed in real 2021 dollars from 1997 to 2021. Real average hourly wages of all employees increased from $26.06 in 1997 to $30.82 in 2021; those of full-time employees increased from $27.97 in 1997 to $32.78 in 2021 and those of part-time employees increased from $17.68 in 1997 to $20.71 in 2021.
Over the last two decades, the average hourly wage increased in real terms
Hourly wage growth by type of work
The vertical bar chart shows a year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) per cent change in Ontario’s nominal hourly wages by type of work. The average hourly wage increased by 5.6%. Hourly wages increased for full-time workers (+5.0%) and for part-time employees (+7.4%). The average hourly wage increased for permanent employees (+6.0%) and temporary employees (+2.6%). Average hourly wages increased for employees with union coverage (+2.2%) and those without union coverage (+6.9%). Inflation during the same period was 7.1%.
In the third quarter of 2022, the average hourly wage of Ontario employees was $32.26, an increase of 5.6% from the third quarter of 2021.
The average hourly wage for part-time positions increased by 7.4%, while the average hourly wage for full-time workers increased by 5.0%.
Consumer Price Index inflation over the third quarter of 2022 compared to the third quarter of 2021 was 7.1%.
Average hourly wage rate and wage growth by occupational group
The horizontal bar chart shows average hourly wage rates in the third quarter of 2022 and year-over-year (between the third quarters of 2021 and 2022) per cent change in average hourly wage rate, by occupational group. In the third quarter of 2022, the average hourly wage rate for Ontario was $32.26 (+5.6%). The highest average hourly wage rate was for management occupations at $53.52 (+3.5%); followed by natural and applied sciences and related occupations at $43.11 (+6.8%); occupations in education, law and social, community and government services at $38.47 (+3.0%), health occupations at $33.66 (+6.3%); business, finance and administration occupations at $31.68 (+4.1%), occupations in trades, transport and equipment operators at $29.54 (+4.8%); occupations in art, culture recreation and sport at $25.84 (-6.0%); occupations in manufacturing and utilities at $25.44 (+6.3%); occupations in natural resources, agriculture and related occupations at $23.45 (+7.3%); and sales and service occupations at $20.50 (+4.1%).
Year-over-year, most broad occupational groups experienced growth in average hourly wages led by natural resources, agriculture and related occupations (+7.3%), natural and applied sciences and related occupations (+6.8%), occupations in manufacturing and utilities (+6.3%) and health occupations (+6.3%). Occupations in art, culture, recreation and sport (-6.0%) experienced a decrease in average hourly wages.
Appendix I
Overview of annual employment ten-year review
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Labour Force (000) | 7,238.7 | 7,325.1 | 7,345.3 | 7,343.0 | 7,408.9 | 7,506.5 | 7,608.9 | 7,816.3 | 7,766.0 | 8,006.8 |
| Participation Rate (%) | 66.0 | 66.1 | 65.7 | 65.1 | 64.9 | 64.7 | 64.3 | 64.9 | 63.6 | 64.9 |
| Male Participation Rate (%) | 70.7 | 70.5 | 70.2 | 70.0 | 69.6 | 69.3 | 68.8 | 69.5 | 68.4 | 69.7 |
| Female Participation Rate (%) | 61.5 | 61.9 | 61.3 | 60.5 | 60.4 | 60.2 | 60.1 | 60.4 | 58.9 | 60.2 |
| Total Employment (000) | 6,666.7 | 6,768.1 | 6,809.1 | 6,845.4 | 6,921.4 | 7,052.5 | 7,173.3 | 7,376.9 | 7,021.6 | 7,366.4 |
| Full-time (000) | 5,389.0 | 5,449.1 | 5,486.6 | 5,557.4 | 5,610.5 | 5,713.2 | 5,845.7 | 6,000.3 | 5,797.4 | 6,070.8 |
| Part-time (000) | 1,277.7 | 1,318.9 | 1,322.5 | 1,288.0 | 1,310.9 | 1,339.3 | 1,327.6 | 1,376.6 | 1,224.3 | 1,295.6 |
| Employment-Population Ratio (%) | 60.8 | 61.1 | 60.9 | 60.7 | 60.6 | 60.8 | 60.6 | 61.2 | 57.5 | 59.7 |
| Male Employment (000) | 3,470.1 | 3,508.9 | 3,549.1 | 3,583.9 | 3,622.6 | 3,692.1 | 3,760.6 | 3,874.7 | 3,722.1 | 3,885.7 |
| Female Employment (000) | 3,196.6 | 3,259.1 | 3,260.1 | 3,261.4 | 3,298.8 | 3,360.4 | 3,412.7 | 3,502.2 | 3,299.6 | 3,480.8 |
| Part-Time (% of total) | 19.2 | 19.5 | 19.4 | 18.8 | 18.9 | 19.0 | 18.5 | 18.7 | 17.4 | 17.6 |
| Goods-Producing Sector Employment (000) | 1,406.8 | 1,381.0 | 1,366.4 | 1,393.8 | 1,425.1 | 1,439.4 | 1,463.9 | 1,467.3 | 1,410.7 | 1,466.6 |
| Services-Producing Sector Employment (000) | 5,259.9 | 5,387.1 | 5,442.7 | 5,451.6 | 5,496.3 | 5,613.1 | 5,709.5 | 5,909.7 | 5,610.9 | 5,899.9 |
| Private Sector Employment (000) | 4,347.1 | 4,405.3 | 4,473.5 | 4,505.5 | 4,544.1 | 4,640.1 | 4,716.7 | 4,830.6 | 4,542.0 | 4,807.7 |
| Public Sector Employment (000) | 1,289.5 | 1,310.0 | 1,298.1 | 1,281.2 | 1,293.7 | 1,318.8 | 1,359.7 | 1,375.4 | 1,358.8 | 1,456.9 |
| Self-Employment (%of total) | 15.4 | 15.6 | 15.2 | 15.5 | 15.7 | 15.5 | 15.3 | 15.9 | 16.0 | 15.0 |
| Total Unemployment (000) | 572.0 | 557.1 | 536.1 | 497.6 | 487.5 | 454.0 | 435.5 | 439.4 | 744.4 | 640.4 |
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 7.9 | 7.6 | 7.3 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 6.0 | 5.7 | 5.6 | 9.6 | 8.0 |
| Male Unemployment Rate (%) | 8.2 | 8.0 | 7.5 | 7.0 | 6.8 | 6.3 | 5.7 | 5.8 | 9.2 | 8.0 |
| Female Unemployment Rate (%) | 7.5 | 7.2 | 7.1 | 6.5 | 6.3 | 5.8 | 5.7 | 5.5 | 10.0 | 8.0 |
| Long-Term (27 wks+) (% of total) | 22.8 | 23.1 | 22.9 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 19.5 | 16.9 | 15.0 | 14.7 | 28.3 |
| Average Unemployment in Weeks | 22.3 | 21.9 | 22.5 | 20.0 | 20.0 | 19.3 | 17.2 | 15.8 | 15.3 | 23.2 |
| Youth Unemployment Rate (%) | 16.6 | 15.9 | 15.2 | 14.3 | 13.7 | 12.2 | 11.8 | 12.0 | 22.0 | 15.7 |
| 25-54 y.o. Unemployment rate (%) | 6.5 | 6.3 | 6.0 | 5.6 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 4.8 | 4.6 | 7.7 | 6.6 |
| 55+ y.o. Unemployment rate (%) | 5.9 | 5.6 | 5.5 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.6 | 4.3 | 4.2 | 7.0 | 7.2 |
| Average Weekly Wage Rate ($) | 883.62 | 896.44 | 907.05 | 938.01 | 958.16 | 965.71 | 998.41 | 1,033.38 | 1,113.99 | 1,133.90 |
| Average Hourly Wage Rate ($) | 24.10 | 24.50 | 24.81 | 25.58 | 26.13 | 26.38 | 27.28 | 28.26 | 30.24 | 30.82 |
Employment by region (000)
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area | 3,099.6 | 3,214.9 | 3,202.7 | 3,264.8 | 3,303.9 | 3,363.5 | 3,432.8 | 3,548.3 | 3,381.8 | 3,551.4 |
| Central | 1,537.2 | 1,542.4 | 1,577.6 | 1,582.3 | 1,589.7 | 1,653.6 | 1,659.8 | 1,696.3 | 1,616.5 | 1,686.2 |
| Southwest | 768.0 | 764.0 | 771.5 | 769.7 | 779.9 | 785.8 | 808.4 | 810.6 | 771.4 | 832.7 |
| East | 904.1 | 890.7 | 899.4 | 881.5 | 898.2 | 898.5 | 915.1 | 964.5 | 908.5 | 952.2 |
| North | 357.8 | 356.1 | 358.0 | 347.1 | 349.7 | 351.0 | 357.3 | 357.2 | 343.3 | 343.9 |
Unemployment rate by region (%)
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area | 8.8 | 8.2 | 8.0 | 7.1 | 7.0 | 6.5 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 10.7 | 9.0 |
| Central | 7.1 | 6.9 | 6.2 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.2 | 8.8 | 7.4 |
| Southwest | 7.9 | 7.7 | 7.0 | 6.9 | 6.1 | 5.6 | 5.3 | 5.5 | 9.0 | 7.3 |
| East | 6.6 | 6.6 | 7.0 | 6.6 | 6.4 | 5.9 | 5.0 | 4.9 | 7.7 | 6.5 |
| North | 7.2 | 7.5 | 6.6 | 7.2 | 7.2 | 6.5 | 6.0 | 6.1 | 7.8 | 6.8 |
Total employment by CMA (000)
Greater Toronto Area
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 2,942.9 | 3,061.1 | 3,043.4 | 3,114.1 | 3,140.1 | 3,206.7 | 3,262.4 | 3,385.7 | 3,221.8 | 3,393.4 |
| Oshawa | 188.3 | 191.5 | 197.3 | 191.4 | 208.3 | 204.6 | 214.6 | 213.0 | 205.5 | 209.6 |
Central Ontario
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | 373.7 | 369.9 | 376.9 | 377.4 | 377.3 | 408.3 | 403.0 | 411.2 | 384.9 | 408.2 |
| Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo | 279.0 | 284.4 | 288.9 | 288.1 | 291.7 | 301.6 | 309.4 | 322.7 | 306.2 | 321.4 |
| St. Catharines-Niagara | 200.0 | 192.2 | 194.3 | 204.4 | 204.9 | 200.8 | 205.7 | 204.3 | 190.6 | 198.7 |
| Peterborough | 58.1 | 54.2 | 59.1 | 59.8 | 58.6 | 61.3 | 64.6 | 62.0 | 53.6 | 63.1 |
| Brantford | 67.1 | 68.3 | 68.1 | 69.0 | 70.0 | 71.9 | 69.6 | 78.1 | 71.9 | 74.1 |
| Guelph | 83.6 | 78.7 | 80.5 | 89.3 | 90.1 | 90.5 | 88.2 | 91.1 | 85.1 | 92.3 |
| Barrie | 101.3 | 107.8 | 109.3 | 105.7 | 101.8 | 113.0 | 112.2 | 116.9 | 117.6 | 114.5 |
Eastern Ontario
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa-Gatineau (Ontario part) | 540.4 | 524.7 | 532.4 | 528.6 | 542.5 | 547.9 | 558.4 | 588.0 | 557.1 | 588.7 |
| Kingston | 79.2 | 80.2 | 78.5 | 79.5 | 80.3 | 84.0 | 82.9 | 83.7 | 80.0 | 81.1 |
| Belleville | 52.9 | 39.5 | 34.4 | 31.9 | 33.7 | 40.0 | 41.3 | 51.7 | 49.3 | 50.0 |
Southwestern Ontario
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | 240.0 | 236.2 | 238.0 | 247.5 | 242.8 | 244.3 | 254.0 | 253.8 | 257.2 | 282.7 |
| Windsor | 152.1 | 154.4 | 154.8 | 156.5 | 162.5 | 161.2 | 164.1 | 170.9 | 152.2 | 168.5 |
Northern Ontario
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Sudbury | 81.7 | 84.0 | 83.4 | 82.1 | 82.8 | 81.7 | 83.0 | 86.9 | 81.1 | 82.0 |
| Thunder Bay | 61.5 | 62.5 | 61.3 | 59.3 | 60.0 | 61.5 | 64.3 | 62.7 | 59.0 | 61.1 |
Overview of quarterly employment year-over-year
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Labour Force (000) | 7,913.7 | 8,071.5 | 7,817.6 | 8,023.4 | 7,992.8 | 8,214.4 | 8,145.4 | 8,195.9 |
| Participation Rate (%) | 64.5 | 65.1 | 63.6 | 64.4 | 64.9 | 65.7 | 65.9 | 65.4 |
| Male Participation Rate (%) | 69.1 | 69.7 | 68.4 | 69.1 | 69.9 | 70.3 | 70.9 | 70.3 |
| Female Participation Rate (%) | 60.1 | 60.7 | 59.0 | 59.9 | 60.1 | 61.3 | 61.2 | 60.7 |
| Total Employment (000) | 7,236.4 | 7,601.7 | 7,105.6 | 7,523.9 | 7,273.4 | 7,769.2 | 7,485.0 | 7,717.4 |
| - Full-time (000) | 5,904.2 | 6,175.8 | 5,883.9 | 6,135.8 | 6,030.8 | 6,401.2 | 6,193.0 | 6,437.9 |
| - Part-time (000) | 1,332.2 | 1,426.0 | 1,221.8 | 1,388.1 | 1,242.6 | 1,368.0 | 1,292.1 | 1,279.5 |
| Employment-Population Ratio (%) | 59.0 | 61.3 | 57.8 | 60.4 | 59.0 | 62.2 | 60.6 | 61.6 |
| Male Employment (000) | 3,812.8 | 3,992.1 | 3,742.0 | 3,964.2 | 3,850.5 | 4,077.9 | 3,958.1 | 4,097.1 |
| Female Employment (000) | 3,423.5 | 3,609.7 | 3,363.6 | 3,559.7 | 3,422.9 | 3,691.2 | 3,526.9 | 3,620.3 |
| Part Time (% of total) | 18.4 | 18.8 | 17.2 | 18.4 | 17.1 | 17.6 | 17.3 | 16.6 |
| Goods-Producing Sector Employment (000) | 1,476.9 | 1,482.0 | 1,423.9 | 1,466.2 | 1,462.8 | 1,538.5 | 1,497.5 | 1,576.0 |
| Services-Producing Sector Employment (000) | 5,759.5 | 6,119.8 | 5,681.7 | 6,057.6 | 5,810.5 | 6,230.7 | 5,987.6 | 6,141.4 |
| Private Sector Employment (000) | 4,735.8 | 4,995.4 | 4,596.9 | 4,919.0 | 4,698.9 | 5,104.3 | 4,939.6 | 5,111.8 |
| Public Sector Employment | 1,399.9 | 1,517.3 | 1,434.8 | 1,511.9 | 1,440.9 | 1,574.4 | 1,434.6 | 1,507.7 |
| Self-Employment (% of total) | 15.2 | 14.3 | 15.1 | 14.5 | 15.6 | 14.0 | 14.8 | 14.2 |
| Total Unemployment (000) | 677.3 | 469.8 | 712.0 | 499.5 | 719.4 | 445.2 | 660.4 | 478.5 |
| Unemployment Rate (%) | 8.6 | 5.8 | 9.1 | 6.2 | 9.0 | 5.4 | 8.1 | 5.8 |
| Male Unemployment Rate (%) | 8.3 | 5.9 | 9.3 | 6.2 | 8.9 | 5.5 | 7.9 | 5.3 |
| Female Unemployment Rate (%) | 8.8 | 5.7 | 8.9 | 6.3 | 9.1 | 5.3 | 8.3 | 6.4 |
| Long-Term (27 wks+) (% of total) | 29.2 | 28.7 | 29.1 | 19.2 | 29.6 | 19.7 | 25.9 | 16.6 |
| Average Unemployment in Weeks | 20.1 | 24.4 | 21.8 | 21.5 | 23.3 | 20.5 | 24.1 | 17.8 |
| Youth Unemployment Rate (%) | 19.3 | 9.4 | 19.1 | 12.9 | 20.4 | 11.6 | 14.1 | 11.6 |
| 25-54 y.o Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.9 | 5.0 | 7.7 | 5.1 | 6.9 | 4.4 | 6.8 | 4.9 |
| 55+ y.o Unemployment Rate (%) | 6.6 | 6.0 | 7.5 | 5.5 | 7.7 | 4.2 | 7.7 | 4.7 |
| Average Weekly Wage Rate ($) | 1,109.06 | 1,137.66 | 1,135.33 | 1,168.67 | 1,134.02 | 1,178.28 | 1,128.59 | 1,201.93 |
| Average Hourly Wage Rate ($) | 30.21 | 31.01 | 30.89 | 31.74 | 30.83 | 31.94 | 30.55 | 32.26 |
Employment by Region (000)
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area (GTA) | 3,504.0 | 3,723.7 | 3,390.9 | 3,653.6 | 3,457.8 | 3,746.9 | 3,633.2 | 3,712.2 |
| Central | 1,667.6 | 1,711.7 | 1,637.5 | 1,713.2 | 1,689.4 | 1,782.4 | 1,706.1 | 1,791.8 |
| Southwestern | 795.2 | 864.2 | 802.4 | 846.1 | 826.5 | 869.3 | 837.8 | 856.5 |
| Eastern | 924.1 | 952.8 | 937.9 | 956.6 | 957.2 | 1,008.5 | 960.9 | 1,003.0 |
| Northern | 345.5 | 349.3 | 336.9 | 354.4 | 342.4 | 362.1 | 347.0 | 353.8 |
Unemployment Rate by Region (%)
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Toronto Area (GTA) | 10.1 | 6.6 | 10.1 | 7.0 | 10.0 | 6.3 | 9.3 | 6.5 |
| Central | 7.4 | 5.4 | 9.0 | 5.4 | 7.9 | 4.6 | 7.1 | 5.3 |
| Southwestern | 7.5 | 5.2 | 7.8 | 5.9 | 8.6 | 5.1 | 7.5 | 6.0 |
| Eastern | 6.3 | 4.2 | 7.0 | 5.3 | 8.3 | 4.3 | 6.5 | 4.7 |
| Northern | 6.7 | 5.1 | 8.0 | 5.5 | 7.3 | 4.3 | 6.7 | 4.6 |
Total Employment by CMA (000)
Greater Toronto Area
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toronto | 3,347.4 | 3,557.3 | 3,236.4 | 3,489.4 | 3,303.6 | 3,577.6 | 3,476.2 | 3,558.9 |
| Oshawa | 210.4 | 220.8 | 203.0 | 220.9 | 204.6 | 232.0 | 210.2 | 223.9 |
Central Ontario
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hamilton | 397.4 | 416.9 | 400.7 | 409.5 | 402.8 | 417.9 | 412.3 | 418.2 |
| Kitchener-Cambridge-Waterloo | 313.2 | 334.3 | 310.2 | 324.2 | 319.1 | 330.1 | 322.1 | 336.4 |
| St. Catharines-Niagara | 198.6 | 210.2 | 181.6 | 217.9 | 190.0 | 227.6 | 213.2 | 216.2 |
| Peterborough | 55.5 | 63.3 | 58.6 | 64.8 | 65.9 | 67.1 | 64.7 | 68.8 |
| Brantford | 74.7 | 74.0 | 73.9 | 73.5 | 73.6 | 75.5 | 74.9 | 80.2 |
| Guelph | 86.5 | 96.6 | 87.0 | 96.8 | 90.2 | 98.8 | 95.2 | 96.3 |
| Barrie | 112.2 | 117.3 | 107.1 | 111.1 | 113.0 | 123.9 | 120.5 | 127.5 |
Eastern Ontario
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ottawa-Gatineau (Ontario part) | 561.1 | 579.6 | 581.7 | 585.1 | 601.5 | 616.1 | 591.9 | 615.1 |
| Kingston | 83.4 | 81.5 | 82.8 | 81.6 | 79.2 | 86.3 | 80.7 | 90.2 |
| Belleville | 53.1 | 53.9 | 52.6 | 51.8 | 43.2 | 59.2 | 50.5 | 60.0 |
Southwestern Ontario
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| London | 264.2 | 291.1 | 273.0 | 292.7 | 281.7 | 298.1 | 284.9 | 293.1 |
| Windsor | 152.8 | 184.3 | 159.4 | 175.1 | 164.5 | 173.8 | 166.0 | 165.1 |
Northern Ontario
| 2020q4 | 2021q4 | 2021q1 | 2022q1 | 2021q2 | 2022q2 | 2021q3 | 2022q3 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greater Sudbury | 81.9 | 84.9 | 79.0 | 85.4 | 82.1 | 86.5 | 81.9 | 83.8 |
| Thunder Bay | 60.5 | 63.1 | 57.8 | 63.1 | 61.3 | 62.0 | 62.2 | 61.4 |
Overview of monthly* labour force characteristics
| Jan-21 | Feb-21 | Mar-21 | Apr-21 | May-21 | Jun-21 | Jul-21 | Aug-21 | Sep-21 | Oct-21 | Nov-21 | Dec-21 | Jan-22 | Feb-22 | Mar-22 | Apr-22 | May-22 | Jun-22 | July-22 | Aug-22 | Sept-22 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Employment | 7,085.1 | 7,197.5 | 7,368.3 | 7,214.6 | 7,206.1 | 7,311.2 | 7,367.7 | 7,416.2 | 7,499.7 | 7,529.3 | 7,586.7 | 7,639.2 | 7,493.5 | 7,687.8 | 7,722.9 | 7,737.2 | 7,739.1 | 7,714.4 | 7687.0 | 7667.8 | 7636.3 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.1 | 9.2 | 7.5 | 8.9 | 9.0 | 8.2 | 8.1 | 7.7 | 7.5 | 7.2 | 6.5 | 6.1 | 7.3 | 5.5 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.5 | 5.1 | 5.3 | 5.7 | 5.8 |
| Participation rate | 64.1 | 64.5 | 64.8 | 64.3 | 64.3 | 64.6 | 64.9 | 65.1 | 65.6 | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.0 | 65.4 | 65.4 | 65.5 | 65.5 | 65.0 | 64.8 | 64.9 | 64.6 |
*Seasonally adjusted
Note: All estimates in this appendix are based on Statistics Canada’s Labour Force Survey.
Footnotes
- footnote[1] Back to paragraph Estimates of employment changes and rate calculations are based on unrounded quarterly estimates and may differ slightly from estimates based on published quarterly data due to rounding.
- footnote[2] Back to paragraph The public sector includes employees in federal, provincial, territorial, municipal and Aboriginal public administrations, as well as in Crown corporations, liquor control boards and other government institutions such as schools (including universities), hospitals and public libraries.
- footnote[3] Back to paragraph This economic region closely matches the GTA, the main exception being that it excludes the city of Burlington.
- footnote[4] Back to paragraph Real wages are based on nominal wages deflated by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for all items. Self-employment is excluded.
- footnote[5] Back to paragraph Year-over-year comparison (between third quarters of 2021 and 2022) is in nominal dollars.
- footnote[6] Back to paragraph Measured as an increase in the all-items Consumer Price Index for Ontario between July and September of 2021 and July and September of 2022.