By: Phil Froats

From the end of October 2008 till the end of March 2009, Canada’s labour force declined by almost 378,000 people – about the population of Halifax. Both private and public employment declined and the self employed numbers showed a very nominal increase.

Period Ending              October 08    March 09    # Change    % Change
Private Employees       11,101,300    10,806,500    (294,800)    (2.66)
Self Employed               2,649,500      2,649,800             300       0.01
Public Employees          3,464,900      3,381,800      (83,100)    (2.40)
Total employees           17,215,700    16,838,100    (377,600)    (2.19)

Within these numbers, job security was partially a function of your occupation. Construction and manufacturing were hardest hit with losses of 8.3% and 7.1% respectively. This represents about 243,000 people, approximately the population of Saskatoon. Other areas that saw percentage declines greater than average were:

Agriculture (2.5%)

Natural Resources (4.6%)

Transportation and Warehousing (3.3%)

Education Services (3.1%)

Public Administration (2.8%)

Some areas saw employment gains, with health care and social assistance and other services showing increases of 1.7% and 2.1% respectively.