Construction is Canada’s Fastest Growing Industry

Canadian employment numbers rose slightly in August due to an increase in full-time workers. There were employment gains were in Saskatchewan and Ontario, which more than offset employment losses in Nova Scotia and Manitoba. Employment numbers were virtually unchanged elsewhere. For the first eight months of 2008, Canada’s employment gains have been centred in Ontario and the western provinces.

Construction
Employment in construction was up 19,000 in August, a continuation of the strength seen over the past few years. August’s gains make construction Canada’s fastest growing industry. Most of the increases have been in Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. According to the most recent Building Permits Survey, the value of building permits has increased in 2008, with all of the growth in non-residential construction.

Accommodation & food services
Accommodation & food services added 16,000 workers in August and is up by 60,000 so far this year, the second fastest growing industry in 2008. Most of the increases have been in food services and drinking places. Ontario and the western provinces had the most notable increases in this industry so far this year.

Education
Education employment increased by 30,000 in August, following a decline of a similar amount in July. Employment in education has increased 1.8 percent from 12 months ago.

Health
Employment declined by 22,000 in health care and social assistance in August, mostly in Ontario and Alberta. Despite this decline, employment remains at a level similar to that at the start of 2008.

Agriculture
Agriculture employment was down 18,000 in August, primarily in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta. Since the most recent peak of July 2005, employment in this industry has declined by 52,000 (-14.1%).

Manufacturing
There was a slight increase in manufacturing employment in August. So far this year, this industry has declined by 14,000 (-0.7%), a smaller decrease compared with the same period in 2007 (-76,000 or -3.6%)

Provinces with most employment gains:

Saskatchewan
In August, employment in Saskatchewan increased by 6,000. Employment gains so far this year have mainly been in mining, oil and gas; construction; and health care and social assistance.

Ontario
Following two months of declines, Ontario’s employment level was up 14,000 in August, as large full-time gains were partially offset by part-time losses. So far in 2008, employment in Ontario has increased by 0.8 percent, all in part time. Increases in construction and several service industries were dampened by declines in information, culture and recreation; manufacturing and trade over the year.