Metropolitan Monthly Monitors: Metro Help-Wanted Index September 2010

The Conference Board of Canada’s latest Help-Wanted Index suggests that more good news is on the way for local labour markets. Near-term employment prospects are up in 19 CMAs, stable in 2, and down in just 6. Leading the way, Ontario’s labour market continues to bounce back from last year’s deep recession, as all 11 of its CMAs are showing upbeat prospects. Job prospects are also up in both Alberta CMAs—Calgary and Edmonton—and two of three B.C. CMAs—Vancouver and Victoria. Rounding out the list of CMAs enjoying upbeat prospects are Halifax, Sherbrooke, Montréal, and Winnipeg. Employment prospects are stable in Trois-Rivières and Quebec City, but down elsewhere. Although prospects in Regina and Saskatoon are down, their labour markets remain very tight, with just over one job seeker per online job ad in each CMA.