Labour Market Bulletin

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1 Labour Market Bulletin Sudbury Area Service Canada Centre ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Volume 7, Issue 1 First 2006 IN THIS ISSUE: HIGHLIGHTS... 1 LABOUR MARKET NEWS... 2 Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas... 2 Construction... 3 Trade... 3 Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing... 3 Professional, scientific, and technical Services... 3 Educational services... 3 Health care and social assistance... 4 Information, culture and recreation... 4 Accommodation and food services... 4 Public administration... 4 Tourism... 4 LABOUR FORCE TRENDS... 5 Greater Sudbury... 5 Northeastern Ontario... 7 LABOUR SUPPLY AND DEMAND... 8 Employment Insurance Claimload... 8 Employment Opportunities... 9 FROM THE AUTHOR S DESK The Sudbury SCC Labour Market Bulletin is a quarterly report produced by the area Labour Market Information Analyst. This bulletin and other LMI products may also be found on our website. (aussi disponible en français) For further information contact: Ryan O Bumsawin, Labour Market Information Analyst Telephone: ryan.obumsawin@servicecanada.gc.ca Visit our website at: Note: In preparing this bulletin, Service Canada has taken care to provide clients with labour market information from reliable sources that is timely and accurate at the time of publication. Since labour market conditions are dynamic, some of the information presented here may have changed since the bulletin was published. Readers are encouraged to also refer to other sources for additional information on the local economy and labour market. Information contained in this bulletin does not necessarily reflect official policies of Service Canada. An overview of the Sudbury area, which includes The City of Greater Sudbury (formerly The City of Sudbury, Nickel Centre, Onaping Falls, Rayside Balfour, Valley East, Walden, and Capreol), Sudbury East and the Espanola, Manitoulin Island areas The Sudbury area labour market showed slight improvement in the first quarter of Investment and growth in mining continues to improve and spill over into other sectors. Falconbridge is spending large sums of capital in the area as they bring the Nickel Rim South property on line. Inco announced spending of up to $100 million in exploration and development at several new and existing properties. Junior miners in the area continue to report high grade deposits fueling additional investment. Employment Insurance claims were down slightly year over year (-1.8%). The number of advertised job vacancies increased nearly 17% from the fourth quarter. Even more significant was the change in vacancy activity, which was nearly 60% higher year over year. Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey reported mixed results for the Greater Sudbury Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) in the first quarter of In Northeastern Ontario, weaker labour market conditions were recorded in the first quarter. HIGHLIGHTS Inco/Falconbridge merger delayed by regulators in U.S. and the European Union; offer extended to end of June Inco to spend up to $100 million annually on exploration and development The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation receives $20 million Tenders will go out by June 30th for one-site hospital construction Espanola diversifies, developing a light industrial park Sudbury may lose up to 30 jobs at the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care Bell Canada announced it will cut 28 jobs at its Sudbury call centre

2 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 2 of 11 ~ L ABOUR M ARKET N EWS Highlights on industry activities that have an impact on the local labour market, this information is derived from several sources including local newspapers, newsletters and various publications. Please refer to Notes to Readers for additional information. Forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas Ursa Major Minerals has intersected two major mineralized zones and significant rare earth minerals at the former Agnew Lake Uranium Mine west of Sudbury in Hyman Township. The company is encouraged by the results and will conduct further testing to determine how much would be soluble and amenable to leach extraction. Ursa Major is also working with North American Palladium to develop an open pit copper-nickel mine and mill on a nearby property. Inco announced plans to invest up to $100 million annually on the exploration and development of new mines. The plan means work could begin on the first new Inco mines in Greater Sudbury in more than 30 years. Work could begin on up to four new mines within two to three years. The company plans to bring at least one new mine on-stream as early as The Totten deposit may be the first to be developed because of its platinum group metals and copper riches. Inco is also exploring the Kelly Lake deposit near the Copper Cliff South mine, and the Pump Lake deposit near the Copper Cliff North mine. There are plans to sink a new shaft at Coleman to open up a new ore body there. There are also plans for a small mine at Garson Ramp and a small open pit mine at Gertrude West, as well as an expansion of Stobie Mine,. Inco also plans to invest $40 million in a copper separation project at their Copper Cliff mill. The project will increase processing capacity at the smelter by separating some of the ore, which will increase the more straight nickel feed going to the smelter. The Inco board also approved $48 million to continue mining at greater depths at the Creighton mine. Inco Limited reported adjusted net earnings of $200 million for the first quarter of 2006, compared with $242 million for the first quarter of Inco s profit for 2005 was the largest year-end profit in its history at $836 million, compared to $619 million in Falconbridge Limited reported first quarter 2006 net income of $462 million. This compares with first quarter 2005 net income of $176 million. Falconbridge s 2006 earnings include income from Noranda, which it acquired in June of The Inco/Falconbridge merger was cleared by the Canadian Competition Bureau, the body responsible for investigating and ruling on competitive issues affecting Canada. Inco extended its offer for Falconbridge by four months, until June 30 th 2006, after competition authorities in the United States and Europe asked for more time to review the friendly takeover. Union officials continue to support the merger but also insist it should be regulated carefully. First Nickel reported a loss of $4 million for the 14 month period ending December 31, First Nickel attributed the loss to higher general and administrative expenses that arose as the company shifted its focus from exploration to becoming an operating company with the Lockerby Mine in Sudbury. The junior miner is expect to achieve operating profits in 2006 as its completes its first full year of operations at Lockerby. Northern Development and Mines Minister Rick Barttolucci unveiled Ontario s mineral development strategy at the Prospectors and Developers Association of Canada annual conference in March. The strategy identifies four main objectives: promoting long-term sustainability and global competitiveness; supporting modern and environmentally sound exploration and mining; clarifying and modernizing mineral resource stewardship; and promoting community development and opportunities. The strategy, which emerged after a series of consultations with industry, Aboriginal organizations, communities, and environmental groups, covers things

3 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 3 of 11 ~ such as the use of tax and fiscal policy to encourage mine development and growth in the sector. Key elements also include: improving the permit and approvals process, expanding the geological information base, meeting education and training needs, supporting research and development, and supporting innovation and commercialization. The provincial strategy also identifies the importance of developing an international centre for research and development in mining and exploration, such as the Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation at Laurentian University. The proposed Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation secured government and industry funding in the first quarter. The provincial budget included a $10 million contribution to the project. The following week, Inco Limited announced a $5 million commitment that includes $3 million in cash and $2 million for in-kind contributions such as commercial expertise, resources and materials. The Centre for Excellence in Mining Innovation, which was established in December 2005 at Laurentian University, is looking for a total of $30 million for startup costs. Construction Sudbury Regional Hospital announced that tenders will go out June 30 to complete the one-site hospital project. Contracts should be awarded by November and construction will begin by The community will pay 20% of the costs, while the province picks up the remaining 80%. Construction was halted on the project in 2002 after capital costs reached $366 million, three times the estimated cost. Completion is now expected in Trade Sudbury s two Super C grocery stores will be converted to Food Basics stores. The stores are subsidiaries of A&P Canada, which was purchased by Montréal based Metro Incorporated. The change is part of a national plan to convert the Super C stores and lay off 400 employees. It is not clear how many Sudbury jobs, if any, will be lost. Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing Espanola is hoping to diversify its one industry economy with the development of a light industrial park. The project is receiving support from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation with a commitment of $228,330. According to CMHC, Greater Sudbury lead the way in Northern Ontario home construction in the first quarter, with 21 starts, up from 17 the same time last year. CMHC Analyst Warren Philp noted that Greater Sudbury appears to be on track to build on the momentum gained in recent years, based on early season building permit activity as well as the strength in the resale market. The full report is available, free of charge, at the CMHC website Professional, scientific, and technical services A national public relations agency, Fantail Communications Inc., has expanded its services to Northern Ontario. The Toronto firm s Northern Ontario Division will be based in Sudbury. Educational services Starting in September, Cambrian College will offer its first degree program, Ontario s first Bachelor of Applied Technology Science and Technology Education degree. The program is designed to address the growing demand for teachers in math, science and technology, as well industry shortages. According to Cambrian, the program is unique in that it combines the effectiveness of an applied education with the additional theoretical knowledge that comes with earning a degree. Inco Ltd. announced a pledge of $500,000 to the Northern Ontario School of Medicine Bursary Campaign. The Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation matched the pledge, bringing the total amount to $1 million. Six post-secondary institutions in Northern Ontario, including Laurentian University, Cambrian College and Collège Boréal, signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a Federated School of Mines in the north. The institutions will share expertise, curriculum and resources. The School of Mines would allow students across the north access to programs that may not be available in their home communities. More than 9,000 faculty members at Ontario s community colleges took part in a three week strike in March. The strike commenced March 7, 2006 and ended on March 24 th with an agreement to send outstanding

4 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 4 of 11 ~ issues to binding arbitration. Cambrian College s 240 and Collège Boréal s 120 full-time staff members joined the walkout. The strike affected roughly 5,300 full-time students in Sudbury. Health care and social assistance The province announced Sudbury could lose up to 30 jobs at the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The losses are a result of Ministry restructuring. The changes are expected by March 31 st Information, culture and recreation Bell Canada announced it will cut 28 jobs at its Sudbury call centre. The cuts, which will take place by the end of May, are part of a national restructuring plan. The jobs were consolidated and relocated to Ottawa and Mississauga. Bell continues to employ 133 people in Sudbury. Accommodation and food services McDonald s Kingsway location reopened after being rebuilt. The original Kingsway location was demolished in August The restaurant's 58 employees temporarily worked at other locations while the new building was erected. The new restaurant will employ 70 people. Public administration The Greater Sudbury Police Service has recruited two of 14 officers they plan to hire in The remaining officers are expected to be hired in May and September. The MNR will hire more than 2,100 students across Ontario this summer through six youth employment programs. Students and interns can work in a variety of disciplines including: research for species at risk and bio-diversity projects; improving fish, wildlife and plant habitat; maintaining portages and trails in provincial parks; banding birds; assisting with mapping projects; and monitoring and assessing plant and animal populations. More information is available at Tourism Sunwing Vacations reported their direct flights to Varadero, Cuba from Sudbury Airport were a great success. The company said they will definitely continue offering the international flights next year and will also be looking to add up to two more destinations. The Greater Sudbury Airport board is now looking at a proposal to lengthen the runway from 6,600 feet to 8,000 feet after two of the Varadero flights were redirected to Toronto in bad weather. Airport officials say a longer runway may have allowed for safe landing conditions. A longer runway is also necessary for flights to destinations such as Cancun or the Dominican Republic because of plane weight and fuel load. The runway project could cost in the $3 million to $4 million range.

5 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 5 of 11 ~ L ABOUR F ORCE T RENDS GREATER SUDBURY CENSUS METROPOLITAN AREA QUARTERLY LABOUR FORCE TRENDS: Mixed results for Greater Sudbury Labour force expansion pushes unemployment rate higher Unemployment rate stable year over year Labour force, employment falling in tandem since start of' 05 Labour market conditions in the Greater Sudbury CMA were mixed in the first quarter of On a positive note, the CMA recorded very modest employment growth of less than one percent. The labour force also expanded at a slow pace of slightly less than two percent (+1,200). However, because there were more new or returning job seekers than new jobs, unemployment increased. As a result, Sudbury's unemployment rate rose from 7.3% in the fourth quarter of 2006 to 8.2%. Among Ontario's 11 CMAs, only Windsor (10.2%) posted a higher unemployment rate in the first quarter of The Greater Sudbury CMA is comprised of the City of Greater Sudbury (formerly the City of Sudbury and the Townships of Nickel Centre, Onaping Falls, Rayside-Balfour, Valley East and Walden). The Whitefish Lake 6 Reserve is excluded from this definition because Statistics Canada does not include residents of Reserves in the Labour Force Survey. Labour Force (000s) % Greater Sudbury records modest labour force and employment growth in the first quarter Unemployment Employment Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q Sudbury unemployment rate moving with provincial rate, however, large gap remains Sudbury CMA Ontario Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q Greater Sudbury Census Metropolitan Area labour force trends First Fourth First Change / Year/Year Absolute % Absolute % Population , , , Labour force 82,500 81,300 85,300 1, , Employed 75,800 75,400 78, , Full-time 59,000 58,500 62, , Part-time 16,800 16,900 16, Unemployed 6,800 5,900 6, Not in labour force 49,900 51,000 46,400-1, , Participation rate 62.3% 61.5% 64.8% Unemployment rate 8.2% 7.3% 8.1% Employment rate 57.3% 57.0% 59.6% Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey

6 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 6 of 11 ~ Unemployment rate stable year over year These results were weaker than those reported for Sudbury in the first quarter of Both the labour force and employment fell more than three percent year over year, recording decreases of 2,800 and 2,600 respectively. All of the jobs lost were full-time, completely offsetting a small increase in part-time employment. Since the labour force and employment declines were roughly offsetting, there was an extremely small increase in the level of unemployment in the CMA. Consequently, the unemployment rate edged up slightly, from 8.1% to 8.2%. Definitions: Population 15+ (the working age population) consists of all persons 15 years of age and over residing in Canada with the exception of residents of the territories, persons living on Indian Reserves, inmates of institutions and full-time members of the Canadian Armed forces. The labour force is that portion of the working age population who, during the Labour Force Survey reference week, were either employed or unemployed. The portion of the working age population that is neither employed nor unemployed is not in the labour force. The participation rate is the percentage of the working age population that is in the labour force. The unemployment rate is the percentage of the labour force that is unemployed. The employment rate is the percentage of the working age population that is employed. Statistics Canada s Labour Force Survey (LFS) is the major source of data for this Review. As relatively small sample sizes are utilized in compiling sub-provincial estimates for the survey, there is a chance of variation due to sampling error. Therefore, the reader is cautioned that small changes in some timeseries could be wholly or partially due to these statistical sampling errors, and may not necessarily reflect actual events in the labour force. Data are three-month moving averages. Note to readers: Revisions to the LFS Labour Force Survey (LFS) estimates for the January 1987 to December 2005 period have undergone revisions. There are three reasons for the revision. First, the revision enables the use of improved population benchmarks in the LFS estimation process. These improved benchmarks provide better information on the number of non-permanent residents. There are also changes to the data for the public and private sectors from 1987 to In the past, the data on the public and private sectors for this period were based on an old definition of the public sector. The revised data better reflects the current public sector definition, and therefore result in a longer time series for analysis. Finally, the geographic coding of several small Census Agglomerations (CA) has been updated historically from 1996 urban centre boundaries to 2001 CA boundaries. This affects data from January 1987 to December It is important to note that the changes to almost all estimates are very minor, with the exception of the public sector series and some associated industries from 1987 to Rates of unemployment, employment and participation are essentially unchanged, as are all key labour market trends. Users are cautioned that any comparisons of historical data should be done using these revised estimates. The article "Improvements in 2006 to the LFS" (71F0031XIE, free) provides further explanation for the revisions and an overview of the effect of these changes on the estimates. Source: Statistics Canada, The Daily, February 10, 2005 Employment by Industry Analysis Readers of this quarterly labour market bulletin may note that we have discontinued the tables and commentary on employment by industry sector as of the First, We have discontinued this content element because recent analysis indicates that the sampling error is too large to provide meaningful observation of changes in sector employment at the sub-provincial level over the short term.

7 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 7 of 11 ~ NORTHEASTERN ONTARIO - ECONOMIC REGION 590 QUARTERLY LABOUR FORCE TRENDS: Conditions continue to weaken in Northeast Employment falls more than one percent Northeast also weaker year over year Unemployment rate lower due to labour force contraction Labour market conditions in Northeastern Ontario were slightly weaker in the first quarter of A very small labour force contraction caused the participation rate to dip from 59.5% in the fourth quarter of 2005 to a fouryear low of 59.6%. Employment declined at a faster pace, falling more than one percent (-4,000). The job loss was almost evenly split between full- and part-time employment. And, because the number of jobs lost was greater than the number of individuals who withdrew from the labour force, unemployment increased. As a result, Northeastern Ontario's unemployment rate rose from 6.4% in the fourth quarter of 2005 to 7.4%. Among Ontario's 11 Economic Regions, only Windsor-Sarnia (8.6%) and Northwestern Ontario (8.4%) posted higher unemployment rates for the quarter. Labour Force (000s) % Continuing weakness in the Northeast: declines in the labour force, employment Unemployment Employment Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q Northeastern Ontario rate moves in tandem with Ontario; gap continues to widen in first quarter Northeastern Ontario Northeast also weaker year over year These conditions are also slightly weaker than those recorded in the Northeast in the first quarter of Employment fell almost two percent (-4,400) year over year. All of the job loss was in part-time work. However, because the labour force contracted by a slightly larger amount (-5,500), there was a decrease in the number of people seeking work. Therefore, Northeastern Ontario's unemployment rate edged down from 7.7% in the first quarter of 2005 to 7.4%. 2 0 Ontario Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q1 Q2 Q3 Q4 Q Northeastern Ontario (Economic Region 590) is comprised of eight Census Divisions: the Districts of Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane and Algoma, and the Greater Sudbury Division. Northeastern Ontario labour force trends First Fourth First Change / Year/Year Absolute % Absolute % Population , , , , Labour force 269, , ,300-1, , Employed 249, , ,200-4, , Full-time 198, , ,900-1, Part-time 51,700 53,900 56,300-2, , Unemployed 20,000 17,400 21,100 2, , Not in labour force 183, , ,600 1, , Participation rate 59.6% 59.9% 60.9% Unemployment rate 7.4% 6.4% 7.7% Employment rate 55.1% 56.0% 56.3% Note: Totals may not add due to rounding. Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey

8 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 8 of 11 ~ L ABOUR S UPPLY AND D EMAND Employment Insurance Claimload In the first quarter of 2006, the number of regular active employment insurance claims in Sudbury area climbed by 31%. This was not completely unexpected; claim levels normally increase during the first quarter because seasonal layoffs peak early in the new year. The number of men on claim increased 50%, while the number of female claimants rose by 8%. Year over year, the number of claims was down by slightly more than 1%. While the number of men on claim was stable, there were 82 fewer females on claim (-3.6%) year over year. Claimload First quarter results lower than last year but tracking very closely Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Regular Employment Insurance Claimants Sudbury Area January - March '06 October - December '05 January - March '05 Total Female Male Total Female Male Total Female Male Sudbury Area 6,023 2,221 3,802 4,595 2,055 2,540 6,102 2,303 3,798 Source: SCC administrative data C follows same trend as 2004 but claims lower in total and on average Claimload Jan-05 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan-06 Feb Mar

9 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 9 of 11 ~ Employment Opportunities The number of vacancies in the first quarter increased nearly 17% to 3,180 from 2,725 in the fourth quarter of Culture and recreation jobs more then doubled, while natural and applied sciences, health, business/administration, and primary industry occupations all showed very strong growth. The number of first quarter vacancies increased by nearly 60 per cent compared to the same period in Most occupational groups recorded an increase in advertised vacancies with the exception of social science and education (-4%) and manufacturing and utilities (-58%). Advertised opportunities in the primary industry group more than doubled while postings in business/administration and trades and transport recorded gains of 97% and 98% respectively. Employment Opportunities Sudbury Area Jan - Oct - Jan - Change Mar '06 Dec '05 Mar '05 Absolute % Absolute % Occupations (NOC) Total Vacancies 3,180 2,725 1, Management Business/administration Natural & applied sciences Health Social science & education Culture & recreation Sales & service 1,211 1, Trades & transport Primary industry Manufacturing & utilities Source: SCC vacancies Manufacturing & Utilities Employment Opportunities - Sudbury Area Primary Industry Trades & Transport Sales & Service Culture & Recreation Social Science & Education Health Natural & Applied Sciences Business/Administration Management 1st Q th Q st Q

10 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 10 of 11 ~ F ROM THE A UTHOR S D ESK Last April, analysts from across Canada began to collect and analyze labour market information (LMI) on a number of Pan-Canadian occupations. Profiles for many of these occupations have been posted to our LMI website. These profiles provide Canadians with current information on such topics as employer demand at the local and provincial level, working conditions, local employers, the wages that are typically paid locally, and where training is available. Visit the website below in order to discover the vast amount of information now available. Ontario s minimum wage increased February 1, The general minimum wage, for those 18 years of age and over, rose to $7.75 an hour. The student wage is now $7.25 an hour and individuals who serve liquor are now being paid $6.50 per hour. For further information, contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour or visit their website at: The Business Retention + Expansion project has released its Phase I report. The BR+E project is a community based, volunteer-driven economic development tool to encourage the stability and growth of local business. It centres on an intensive, structured business visitation program that surveys businesses one-on-one to identify existing problems and growth opportunities. BR+E is an ongoing cooperative effort among business, local government and other organizations and individuals in the community to help local firms retain/create jobs, expand and diversify the local economic base. The report is available on their website at: Income of Individuals Median total income for individuals increased for the first time in three years in The median total income of individuals was $24,400, up 1.5% from (The median is the point where one half of incomes are higher and the other half are lower.) Among census metropolitan areas, the largest increase in median total income was in Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury (+2.8%) This article was published in Statistics Canada s The Daily. Family Income Nationally, the median total income for couple families rose 1.6% to $64,800 in Among census metropolitan areas, the largest increase was observed in Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury (+3.7%). This article was published in Statistics Canada s The Daily.

11 ~ An Analysis of the Sudbury Area Labour Market ~ January March 2006 ~ Page 11 of 11 ~ Notes to Readers: 1. Northeastern Ontario (Economic Region 590) is comprised of eight Census Divisions: the Districts of Nipissing, Parry Sound, Manitoulin, Sudbury, Timiskaming, Cochrane and Algoma, and the Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury Division. The Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) is comprised of the City of Greater Sudbury/Grand Sudbury (formerly the City of Sudbury, Nickel Centre, Onaping Falls, Rayside Balfour, Valley East, and Walden). The Whitefish Lake 6 Reserve is excluded from this definition because Statistics Canada does not include residents of Reserves in the Labour Force Survey. 2. The Sudbury Area is comprised of The City of Greater Sudbury (formerly The City of Sudbury, Nickel Centre, Onaping Falls, Rayside Balfour, Valley East, Walden, and Capreol), Sudbury East and the Espanola, Manitoulin Island areas. 3. For the purpose of this publication, the Sudbury Area includes all of the above communities as well as Sudbury East, the French River area and Kilarney. 4. The information contained in the Labour Market News section is gathered using a variety of internal and external sources. The primary sources of information include The Globe and Mail, The Sudbury Star, The Northern Life, Le Voyageur, Northern Ontario Business, The Mid- North Monitor, The Manitoulin Expositor and Sudbury Mining Solutions Journal 5. Definitions Labour Force Survey data Population 15+ (the working age population) consists of all persons 15 years of age and over residing in Canada with the exception of residents of the Territories, persons living on Indian Reserves, inmates of institutions and full-time members of the Canadian Armed forces. The Labour Force consists of people employed or unemployed and searching for work. Those who are neither employed nor unemployed and are not willing or able to supply labour services are considered Not in the Labour Force. The Participation Rate is the percentage of the working age population (15+) who are seeking work or are employed. The Unemployment Rate is the number of people who are unemployed and looking for work as a percentage of the number of people in the Labour Force. The Employment Rate is the number of people employed as a percentage of the working age population. 6. Definitions Service Canada Centre Corporate Data Employment Insurance claim load: The number of individuals with an active claim for regular Employment Insurance benefits. Data on Employment Insurance claimants is not an accurate measure of the absolute level of unemployment. The data does not include unemployed individuals who: 1/ have not met the program's eligibility requirements or 2/ have exhausted their benefit entitlement. Employment Opportunities: Advertised employment opportunities are comprised of vacancies notified to the SCC offices in our area and newspaper want ads. This data is not a count of all labour market activity; in practical terms, such a count is not feasible. This data is useful to track short and long-term changes in the demand for individual occupations. The total number of opportunities is equal to full-time plus parttime and casual. 7. This review uses data from Statistics Canada s Labour Force Survey (LFS). In any survey there is a chance of variation due to sampling size. Three-month moving averages are used for selected labour force characteristics in an attempt to improve the reliability of this data. For further information on the Labour Force Survey, visit Statistics Canada's website at: 8. For more information on Industrial and Occupational categories used in this review, visit Statistics Canada's website at: