Service Canada Greater Toronto Region Labour Market Bulletin

Service Canada Greater Toronto Region Labour Market Bulletin An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Volume 4, Issue 2 Second Quarter 2007 IN THIS ISSUE OVERVIEW...1 Highlights... 1 LABOUR MARKET NEWS...2 Service Canada... 2 Accommodation and Food Services... 2 Arts, Entertainment and Recreation... 2 Business, Building and Other Support Services... 3 Construction... 3 Education Services... 4 Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing... 4 Health Care and Social Services... 5 Manufacturing... 5 Other Services... 6 Professional, Scientific and Technical Services... 6 Public Administration... 7 Trade, Wholesale and Retail... 7 Transportation and Warehousing... 7 WORK TRENDS...8 Workplace News... 8 Communities of Interest... 8 The Greater Toronto Region Labour Market Bulletin is produced quarterly by Service Canada Labour Market Information Analysts. This Bulletin and other LMI products may be found at: www.labourmarketinformation.ca Click on left side About the Local Labour Market ; select Province or Territory, and then select Area, select Labour Market Bulletin and then click on Search (aussi disponible en français) For further information contact: Labour Market Information Analysts : sue.davismcphaden@servicecanada.gc.ca janet.sweatman@servicecanada.gc.ca 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 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. OVERVIEW Employment in the Greater Toronto Region (GTR) rose by 47,000 in the April to June period. Employment normally rises in the second quarter of the year due to seasonal factors. Labour force growth of 55,000 exceeded employment growth, causing the number of unemployed people to increase compared to the first quarter of 2007. The unemployment rate in the GTR edged up to 6.8% from 6.7% in the previous quarter. Employment in the GTR increased by 57,000 (+ 1.9%) since the second quarter of 2006. Employment increases have been mainly in the services-producing sector. Industries with large employment gains include: accommodation and food services; health care and social assistance; and educational services. The Ontario economy, and the manufacturing industry in particular, have been affected by the value of the Canadian dollar, which has risen from an average of 64 cents U.S. in 2002 to 94 cents in June 2007. Employment in the goods-producing sector has continued to decline, while manufacturers are investing in machinery and equipment to enhance productivity and reduce costs. (Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey Data) www.statscan.ca www.bankofcanada.ca Highlights R.S. McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre opens in Oshawa Foreign Credentials Referral Office opens in Etobicoke Service Canada Centre Regulatory college to be created for Early Childhood Educators An overview of the Greater Toronto Region (GTR) Statistics Canada Economic Region 530 - It consists of the City of Toronto plus the surrounding regions of Durham, York, Peel and Halton (excluding Burlington). This area includes the municipalities of Ajax, Pickering, Whitby, Oshawa, Clarington, Uxbridge, Scugog, Brock, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch-Stouffville, Newmarket, Aurora, King, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon, Halton Hills, Milton and Oakville.

An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 2 ~ Labour Market News Highlights of industry activities that have an impact on the local labour market are derived from several sources including local newspapers, news releases and various other publications. Service Canada The Canada Student Loans Program provides financial assistance to Canadians enrolled in post-secondary education. Eligible students may attend a university, college, trade or vocational school. The program aims to provide students with a loan that remains interest-free for up to 340 weeks. Canada Access Grants and Canada Study Grants assist underrepresented groups in post-secondary education, such as: Students from low-income families Students with disabilities Students with dependents Women pursuing Doctoral studies Study grants do not have to be repaid, but are considered taxable income. For more information visit: www.servicecanada.gc.ca www.canlearn.ca Accommodation and Food Services Tourism in Toronto continues to suffer due to the drop in U.S. visitors for the third straight year. The Greater Toronto Hotel Association reports that hotel occupancy rates from January to July 2007 are down 2% to 67% compared with the same period last year. Factors contributing to the decline include: confusion around border entry requirements, the strong Canadian dollar, high fuel prices, the smoking ban, and the newly-dropped Goods and Services Tax (GST) refund. The decline in U.S. visitors was offset slightly by increases in visitors from countries such as China and Mexico. Overseas visitors accounted for 8% of visitors to the Toronto area and almost one quarter of the spending. Canadians visiting Toronto account for the largest number of visitors. (National Post: May 4, June 5; Toronto Star: June 16/07) www.torontotourism.com/media/tourismresearch www.gtha.com Accommodation A report by the Task Force on the Toronto Hotel Industry states that of the 30,000 people who work in Greater Toronto Area (GTA) hotels, 70% are immigrants. Room attendants and laundry workers are among the lowest paid. The industry is comprised of 183 hotels with 35,865 rooms across the GTA and brings in approximately $682-million in tax revenues. (Toronto Star: Apr. 16/07) Food Services Lettuce Eatery opened five new concept eateries in Toronto. Customers have the option of choosing their own vegetables and toppings to be added to their salad. The company plans to expand into other Canadian cities and the U.S. (Toronto Star: June 25/07) www.lettuceatery.com Panera Bread, a U.S. bakery-café chain, will open a location in Toronto by the end of the year. The chain focuses on bread and pastries baked daily, along with soup, sandwiches, salads, coffee and bagels. (National Post: May 8; Ontario Restaurant News: June 2007) www.panerabread.com/ George Brown College plans to expand its Centre for Hospitality and Tourism by introducing new academic programs, adding more teaching facilities and opening a storefront restaurant. New programs include catering management, commercial foodservice, nutritional cuisine, culinary tourism and advanced Indian and Pan Asian cuisine. (Ontario Restaurant News: May 2007) www.georgebrown.ca Arts, Entertainment and Recreation Entertainment Complex Woodbine Live entertainment complex, a $350-million expansion planned for the Woodbine Racetrack, will be located at Hwy 27 and Rexdale Boulevard. It is expected to create 5,000 construction jobs. An additional 9,000 permanent jobs are expected to be created in the proposed hotel, shops, restaurant, cinemas, skating rink and concert space. Phase 2 will include a 2,500 home residential community to the north. (Toronto Star: May 10/07) www.woodbineentertainment.com/woodbinelive/welcome.asp

An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 3 ~ Music Two new jazz clubs have opened in Toronto. Live@Courthouse opened in March 2007 in a former courthouse building on Adelaide Street East and the Opal Jazz Lounge opened on Queen Street West. (Globe & Mail: Apr. 19/07) Museums Although more than 40,000 people attended the official gallery opening weekend and concert for the Royal Ontario Museum s Michael Lee-Chin Crystal in June 2007, the anticipated increase in attendance did not materialize, resulting in the lay-off of approximately 24 staff. (Royal Ontario Museum, press release: June 4; 680 newsradio: July 25/07) Business, Building and Other Support Services The Human Resources Professional s Association of Ontario (HRPAO) announced esource, a human resources management e-learning tool available online or on CD-ROM. Forty bilingual modules cover topics including recruitment, training and development, pay and benefits, and health and safety. (HRPAO, press release: Jan. 31/07) www.hresource.ca Queen s University established a Masters of Global Management (MGM) program, the first of its kind in Canada. Students can enroll in the one-year program immediately after completing an undergraduate degree rather than gaining professional experience before applying. Part of the program includes an overseas placement. (Globe & Mail: June 26/07) www.queensu.ca/homepage MasterCard chose Toronto as the headquarters for its billiondollar global foundation, making it the largest charitable foundation in Canada. It will invest in charitable causes around the world, particularly in developing countries. (Globe & Mail: Apr. 5/07) www.themastercardfoundation.org/ Construction Construction Looking Forward: Labour Requirements from 2007 to 2015 for Ontario is a recent report produced by the Construction Sector Council. The report discusses human resource issues facing the construction industry in Ontario, including the GTA. www.csc-ca.org/pdf/constructionlf-on-07.pdf During the second quarter of 2007, investment in nonresidential construction in the Toronto Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) declined by 1% compared to the second quarter of 2006. The Oshawa CMA saw a drop of 4% in the second quarter compared to the same period last year. (Statistics Canada, The Daily: July 11/07) www.statcan.ca/daily Housing starts For the first half of this year, housing starts in the Toronto CMA were 20% lower than the same period in 2006. The decline was due to low condominium starts. Single-detached starts remained about the same. The Oshawa CMA saw a decrease of 45% in housing starts from January to June 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Both single-detached and multi-family unit starts fell. (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, press release: July 10/07) www.cmhc-schl.ca New Home Sales New home sales in the GTA rose 16% in the second quarter of 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. Sales in the first half of 2007 were up by over 5% compared to the first six months of 2006. (Greater Toronto Home Builders Association, press release: July 19/07) www.gthba.ca Projects Construction of the Ajax Fire Hall and Headquarters at Salem and Rossland Roads is underway. The site will also feature a training facility. (Durham Trade & Commerce: Spring 2007) The Shane Baghai Group of Companies will construct a third condominium at Sheppard and Bayview Avenues called St. Gabriel Terraces. These condominium units will be fully furnished and will include a one-year Metropass. AutoShare vehicles will be available to residents. (National Post: May 19/07) Construction started on the Durham Consolidated Courthouse on Bond Street East near Ritson Road in Oshawa. The Canada Green Building Council-certified site will be state-of-the-art. It will employ over 500 people. Construction completion is set for late 2009. (Durham Trade & Commerce: Spring 2007; Whitby This Week: June 29/07) www.infrastructureontario.ca/en/projects/jus/durham/profile.asp www.cagbc.org www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/news/2007/20070628- durham-nr.asp

An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 4 ~ Web sites listed below offer tools and resources to students Metropolis re-named Toronto Life Square will officially open this fall at Yonge and Dundas Streets. The centre houses a theatre, shopping, and office space. Ryerson University will use the theatre space during the day for lectures. and parents to plan, save and pay for education and to manage post-secondary educational expenses: www.canlearn.ca www.debtfreegrad.com (National Post: Apr. 12/07) The Remington Group began construction on condominiums in Markham at Highway 7 and Warden Avenue. Four sevenstorey condominium buildings are being built. (National Post: May 23/07) www.remingtongroupinc.com Construction started on a new provincial youth justice facility on McLaughlin Road south of Queen Street in Brampton. To be completed in 2008, it will house 192 youths aged 12-17 and offer rehabilitation, education, counselling and vocational services. (Brampton Business Times: April 2007) http://ogov.newswire.ca/ontario/gpoe/2007/06/08/c2581.ht ml?lmatch=&lang=_e.html Education Services The largest wave of university students in Ontario history will graduate this year. These students will compete for jobs and spots in graduate programs. This group was termed the double-cohort a few years ago when the last of the Grade 13 students and the first new four-year high school graduates competed for post-secondary education spots. The provincial government will provide funding to create 14,000 new graduate spaces by 2009. By the end of the decade a record 37,000 Master s and Doctoral students are expected across Ontario. Universities will launch dozens of new Master s programs in September 2007, strengthening counselling services and seeking more lab and office space. University of Toronto, with more than 30% of all graduate students in the province, saw a 15% increase in graduate applications so far for this September and will open 2,100 more spaces, for a total of 10,060. Ryerson University has created eight Master s programs in fields such as architecture, journalism, computer science and nutrition. York University has nine new Master s programs including social work and nursing as well as seven new doctoral programs. (Toronto Star: Jan. 29/07) www.gradschool.utoronto.ca/ www.ryerson.ca/graduate/index.html www.yorku.ca/web/futurestudents/graduate Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing Reports CIBC World Markets, the future of the real estate market Much Ado About Nothing: Canadian House Prices Not Based on Demographics Alone research.cibcwm.com/res/eco/ecocacw.html Banking Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) s housing market outlooks for the Toronto and Oshawa CMA www.cmhc.ca/housingmarketinformation RBC Financial Group plans to open at least 50 branches in high-growth communities by 2010. A branch opened in Bolton in May 2007. (Caledon Enterprise: May 16/07) www.rbc.com/uniquecareers/index.html TD Canada Trust will open 30 branches nationally by the end of the year. The bank will also increase the hours of service in most locations. Hundreds of staff will be hired to accommodate the new hours and branches. (National Post, Toronto Star: June 7/07) www.td.com/hr/ Residential Real Estate A record number of resale homes were sold in the GTR between April and June 2007. During this period 31,049 existing homes sold, an increase of more than 10,000 compared to the same time last year. In the first half of this year sales have increased by 11% compared to the same period in 2006. The number of new listings is also rising, but at a slower pace than sales. (Toronto Star: May 5, 16; June 9/07) www.torontorealestateboard.com A Canadian Real Estate Association report stated that the resale housing market generated more than 158,000 jobs and an average of $15.3-billion annually over the past three years. The report shows employment and revenue from existing home sales comes from furnishing and appliance purchases, fees for governments, lawyers, appraisers and real estate agents as well as taxes. (Toronto Star: June 13/07) www.crea.ca/public/news_stats/news_releases.htm - click on June 12/07

Condominiums Condominium demand is growing in the outlying areas of Toronto lead by Mississauga, Markham, Richmond Hill and Vaughan. Condominium sales in Toronto accounted for 73% of all sales, with the remaining 27% sold in the 905 area of the GTR. The growth in condominium sales outside Toronto is led by first-time buyers who do not want to leave the communities they grew up in, and empty-nesters wishing to downsize without leaving their community. (National Post: May 19; Toronto Star: Apr. 7, 19/07) Rental According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation s semi-annual rental market statistics, the most expensive monthly housing rent of all Canadian cities is paid in Toronto. Toronto vacancy rates remain relatively low at 4%. (The Toronto Star: June 29/07) www.cmhc.ca/housingmarketinformation Securities An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 5 ~ The number of males in the nursing profession is slowly increasing according to the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario. Male nurses represent about 5% of the 90,000 nurses in Ontario. The goal of the Men in Nursing Interest Group is to educate the public about men in nursing and to support male nurses. (Toronto Star: May 5/07) www.rnao.org Employment in the Canadian securities industry increased by 2.7% in the first quarter of 2007 compared to the same time last year. The industry had record profits in three months of the year, lead by strong performance by integrated firms. Institutional firms experienced the largest employment growth, increasing 9.8% between January and March 2007 compared to the same period in 2006. www.iiac.ca Health Care and Social Services The Regional Municipalities of York and Peel report a shortage in the number of psychiatrists and psychotherapists. Residency spaces have been increased by the provincial government in an attempt to fill vacancies and prepare for retirements. Growing populations will increase the demand for this medical specialty. (Toronto Star: June 9/07) The RS McLaughlin Durham Regional Cancer Centre opened in May at Lakeridge Health Oshawa on Simcoe Street near Adelaide Avenue. It is the first comprehensive cancer treatment facility in Durham Region. (Uxbridge Times Journal: May 16/07) www.lakeridgehealth.on.ca Nursing The Canadian Policy Research Network (CPRN) released a report, Not There Yet: Improving the Working Conditions of Canadian Nurses. (CPRN, press release: June 21/07) www.cprn.com Social Services Provincial government funding will help provide wage increases of about 3% for approximately 33,500 childcare workers in Ontario. The funding will help workers wishing to upgrade their qualifications to an Early Childhood Education Diploma. The first regulatory College for Early Childhood Education will be created. (Ontario Ministry of Children and Youth Services, press release: July 5; Toronto Star: June 9/07) www.children.gov.on.ca/ The University of Toronto received a private $15-million donation to the School of Social Work. It will be used to fund five new research chairs and 50 scholarships for students in the Master of Social Work program. (Globe & Mail: June 16/07) www.gradschool.utoronto.ca Manufacturing Manufacturing employment declined by more than 7% in the GTR this past year. The rising dollar makes Canadian exported goods more expensive for U.S. buyers. Bank of Canada forecasts that the Canadian dollar will remain in the range of 93 to 95.5 cents U.S. over the next couple of years. (Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey Data) www.statscan.ca www.bankofcanada.ca Automotive Export sales by Canadian vehicle and parts manufacturers fell by 6% in 2006. Export Development Canada expects automotive exports to decline by a further 6% in 2007 due to weaker U.S. sales and the continued loss of market share by General Motors, Ford and DaimlerChrysler. Auto parts companies face increasing competition from lower-cost parts produced in countries such as India and China. (Toronto Star: Apr. 27/07, Spring 2007 Global Export Forecast Summary) www.edc.ca Pharmaceuticals Drug developer NPS Pharmaceuticals Inc. sold its pilot manufacturing and laboratory building in Mississauga. The

company plans to vacate its leased research laboratories in the MaRS Centre in Toronto while consolidating its operations into a new headquarters location in New Jersey. No details were released about the impact on staff. (NPS, press release: July 3/07) Layoffs An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 6 ~ May 2007. Graduates of Bachelor of Engineering programs accredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board (CEAB) and international engineering graduates with a Bachelor of Engineering or Bachelor of Applied Science degree, can apply for a Professional Engineers licence at no cost within six months of graduation or within six months of coming to Canada. They may also apply to the first year of an Engineering Intern Training Program for free. (Canadian HR Reporter: June 18; Daily Commercial News & Construction Record: May 4/07) www.peo.on.ca Masonite International Corp. announced the permanent closure of its interior door manufacturing plant in Mississauga. The plant will close in August 2007, affecting more than 200 workers. (Masonite, press release: May 23; Toronto Star: May 25/07) Maple Leaf Foods Inc. is closing a meat processing plant in Etobicoke at the end of October 2007, eliminating 100 jobs. The company will move production to its recently purchased plant in Brampton. (Toronto Star: June 1/07) Other Services Automotive mechanics now require laptops to access manufacturers sites for diagnostic tools. Seventy to eighty percent of post-warranty repairs are performed by independent repairers. (Toronto Star: Feb. 3/07) Professional, Scientific and Technical Services Environmental Careers Organization (ECO Canada) forecasts increased demand for workers within the environmental field,in areas such as carbon capture and storage, control of greenhouse emissions, water management systems, auditing and trading greenhouse credits, land management, biodiversity, and site and risk assessments. (National Post: Apr. 18/07) www.eco.ca Bio Talent Canada (formerly the Biotechnology Human Resource Council) released Mapping the Sequence: A Labour Market Outlook at Canada s BioEconomy along with a supplementary report Biotechnology Job Titles. These reports look at Canada s biotechnology industry and related occupations. www.biotalent.ca Human Resources Engineering The Engineers Canada (the business name of the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers) From Consideration to Integration Project is now entering its third phase. Part of the project includes The Engineering and Technology Labour Market Study. The study will identify current and future trends, show new graduates where employment opportunities exist and help International Engineering Graduates (IEGs) integrate into the Canadian labour market. The project made 17 recommendations including: develop a Working in Canada seminar maintain a database of recognized international engineering degrees and institutions (available in the fall ) provide provisional licences to IEGs who need to obtain one year of experience develop a mentoring program review the possibility of overseas licensing (Globe & Mail: May 25/07; Canadian Issues: Spring 2007) www.canada.metropolis.net www.engineerscanada.ca/fc2i/e/index.cfm Professional Engineers of Ontario (PEO) launched the Engineering Intern Training Financial Credit Program in Corporate recruiters salaries in Canada are up to 20% higher than they were two years ago, according to Head2Head s Recruiting Salary Report. Information technology and professional services recruiters earn the highest salaries. Recruiters who are fluent in a second language earn up to an 8% premium. (National Post: May 16/07) www.head2head.ca/ Paralegals Since May 2007, some types of paralegals are now regulated by the Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC). Certain paralegals are exempt from licensing requirements. Experienced paralegals and students/graduates of postsecondary paralegal courses may now apply to write the licensing exam. (Toronto Star: Apr. 21/07) https://licensingprocess.lsuc.on.ca/paralegal/home/homepag e.lsuc Information and Communications Technology The overall hiring rate of Information Technology (IT) workers is expected to slow down in the third quarter of 2007 according to Robert Half Technology s IT Hiring Index and Skills Report. Hiring intentions are strongest in the

An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 7 ~ (National Post: June 21/07) business service industry at 32%, followed by 25% in the retail and 23% in the construction industries. Microsoft Windows Administration, network administration and database management skills were most in demand. Networking experienced the highest growth (Robert Half Technology, press release: June 14/07) www.roberthalftechnology.com/portal/site/rht-us www.newswire.ca/en/releases/archive/june2007/14/c4456.ht ml Public Administration A Statistics Canada study Public Sector Employment reports that more than three million people were employed in the public sector in 2006. The public sector is comprised of federal, provincial, territorial and local governments as well as all economic entities controlled by all three levels of government. (Statistics Canada, The Daily: May 30/07) www.statcan.ca/daily/english/070530/d070530c.htm Hiring The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) hired 100 intelligence officers from a pool of 14,500 people. Another 100 officers are expected to be hired this year. CSIS encourages various ethnic communities and women to join the agency. Currently 45% of its intelligence officers are women. Among its workforce of 2,600, there are 85 languages spoken. (Toronto Star: May 12/07) www.csis-scrs.gc.ca/en/careers/careers.asp Peel Region Police will hire 27 front-line officers each year over the next five years. (Mississauga News: June 22/07) www.peelpolice.on.ca/employment.aspx Best Buy Canada plans to open a store 40% smaller than its typical 36,000-square foot stores by 2008. If successful, the company may open 120 other similar stores in five to seven years. (Toronto Star: June 5/07) www.bestbuy.ca Forever 21, a popular teen clothing store in the United States, opened its second Canadian location at Yonge Street and Dundas Street in June 2007. About 70 more locations are planned for Canada. (Toronto Star: June 5/07) www.forever21.com Air Transportation and Warehousing Emirates Airlines will commence flying from Toronto to Dubai beginning October 2007. The airline plans to staff several positions at Toronto Pearson International Airport. (Toronto Star: June 23/07) www.emirates.com/ca/, Click on 'About Emirates' and then click on 'Contact Emirates Canada Taxi Cabs Toronto taxi drivers must pass the Effective Taxicab Driver Training Program in order to obtain their license to drive. The 17-day course operated by the City of Toronto Municipal Licensing and Standards training unit teaches prospective taxi drivers geography and route planning. (National Post: May 5/07) www.toronto.ca/taxitraining/faqs.htm Transit Motor Vehicles Trade, Wholesale and Retail Automakers revisit production plans as consumer demand for fuel-efficient subcompact vehicles rise. The compact vehicle category remains the largest-selling market segment. (Toronto Star: June 7/07) Retail The retail industry could shift in response to the needs of older consumers. Canada s ageing population will require food and health care more than clothing, furniture, CDs and cars. It is estimated that by the year 2031, almost 30% of Canada s population will be over 60 years of age. Retailers are expected to focus on the needs of older shoppers. Go Transit will add a third track to the Lakeshore West line to accommodate trains at Oakville, Port Credit and Clarkson. The line will meet increased demand from Oakville. Construction began at the end of April 2007 and is expected to be completed in June 2009. (The Oakville Beaver: June 15/07) www.gotransit.com Mississauga Transit plans to add a rapid transit bus system along the Highway 403-Eglinton Avenue corridor. It will add 15 more buses in each of the five years beginning immediately. (Toronto Star: May 12/07) www4.mississauga.ca

An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 8 ~ Work Trends Communities of Interest Workplace News A Monster.ca study indicates that nine out of 10 Canadian workplaces today employ up to four generations of workers. Workers of the baby boom generation (1946-1964) cause the most workplace challenges, with those both younger and older than themselves. (Toronto Sun: May 30/07) www.monster.ca A Robert Half Finance and Accounting survey indicates that hiring managers take an average of 12 minutes to form an opinion about an interviewee. The survey shows the interview begins the moment a prospective employee arrives. (Durham Business Times: May 2007) www.roberthalffinance.com/portal/site/rhf-us According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), workplace accidents claim two lives each week. Last year of the 110 people who died at work, 10 were youths. Recently launched WSIB campaigns educate youth aged 15 to 24 about safety on the job and the right to refuse unsafe work. (Toronto Star: May 22/07) www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/homepage Entrepreneurs BizPaL is a one-stop online service that simplifies the business permit, licence and other compliance regulation processes for entrepreneurs, governments, and third party business service providers. It is currently available in 40 cities and towns across Canada including Milton, Burlington, Oakville, and the Regional Municipalities of York and Halton. The service will cut down on document research time and help entrepreneurs start businesses faster. www.bizpal.ca/index_e.shtml The Canadian Youth Business Foundation offers business start-up loans of up to $15,000 to entrepreneurs aged 18-34. Applicants must submit a detailed business plan, be in business for less than a year, and cannot be in school full-time. Once accepted, candidates will work with a mentor for the duration of the loan. (Toronto Star: May 10/07) www.cybf.ca/ Although some small Toronto businesses post job ads on their own company Web sites, many are now posting job vacancies on free online sites such as craigslist.org or kijiji.ca. (Globe & Mail: Apr. 7/07) http://toronto.craigslist.org http://torontokijiji.ca A new Web site will link skilled immigrants, persons with disabilities, visible minorities, Aboriginal people, women, and mature workers with employers who promote employment equity and diversity in the workplace. Job seekers may post resumes on the site free of charge. www.diversitycareers.ca Aboriginals Project Beyshick, a mentoring initiative to foster entrepreneurial spirit in First Nations youth aged 21 to 35, offers a week-long program of seminars, presentations and job shadowing. Participants are trained by professors from Canadian business schools including Ryerson and Trent Universities. They are matched with Toronto-based business executives for hands-on job shadowing experience. The participant who presents the best business plan at the end of the program receives $15,000. (Toronto Star: July 16/07) www.poafoundation.org www.nadf.org/tier2.asp?pid=2&cid=131&id=132 Newcomers Career Edge helps companies address skill shortages while assisting new immigrants through its internship program, Career Bridge. More than 85% of the program s interns have been hired for full-time positions. Participants gain business experience through paid internships lasting four to 12 months. (Canadian HR Reporter: May 21/07) www.careeredge.ca The federal government opened several Foreign Credentials Referral Offices (FCROs) across Canada, including one at the Service Canada Centre in Etobicoke at 5343 Dundas Street West. Over 300 additional locations will open across the country by the fall, offering detailed job and labour market information. FCROs help internationally-trained individuals in Canada and abroad get their credentials assessed and recognized faster. For more information phone 1-888-854-1805 or visit the Web site. (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, press release: May 24; National Post: June 6; Toronto Star: May 24, June 2/07) www.credentials.gc.ca Global Experience Ontario is a one-stop access and resource centre for internationally-trained individuals and prospective newcomers. Located on Victoria Street in Toronto, the centre provides information on Ontario professional requirements in a number of occupational fields such as health, architecture, accounting, law and engineering. www.ontarioimmigration.ca

An Analysis of the Greater Toronto Region Labour Market ~ April June 2007 ~ Page 9 ~ Canadian teens put in over seven hours of labour per day, The Pilot Provincial Nominee Program will help Ontario employers and multinational corporations investing in Ontario to recruit qualified individuals in 20 specific occupations in the construction, education, health and manufacturing sectors. comparable to adults aged 20 to 64. (Statistics Canada, The Daily: May 23; National Post: May 24/07) www.statcan.ca/daily/english/070523/d070523b.htm The successful nominees will receive work permits. Along with their families, their applications will be fast-tracked for permanent residency status. (Ontario Ministry of Citizenship and Immigration, press release: May 24/ 07) www.ontarioimmigration.ca A new Welcome Centre offering immigrant services opened in Vaughan at 9100 Jane Street at Rutherford Road. The one-stop office, with five agencies on-site, offers settlement support, employment assistance, language training, translation and credential accreditation information and help. (Citizenship and Immigration Canada, press release: June 26/07) www.cic.gc.ca www.welcomecentre.ca Older Workers An HSBC study conducted by Oxford University s Institute of Ageing, The Future of Retirement 2007: The New Old Age, found that people are living longer, staying healthier and want to remain in the workforce longer than ever before. The study was conducted in 21 different countries including Canada. The study found that nearly half of all Canadian seniors in their seventies worked as volunteers. The highest proportions of healthy people in their seventies are found in Canada. www.ageingforum.org/content/futureofretirementprogram meintroductiontext.aspx Labour Market Information is now being delivered by Service Canada the Government of Canada s new service delivery network that brings a range of federal services and benefits together to meet your individual needs. Service Canada offers easy-to-access, one-stop personalized services. For more information about Service Canada or to find the Service Canada Centre nearest you visit us at: www.servicecanada.gc.ca or call 1 800 O-Canada This Bulletin and other Labour Market Information products may also be found on the Internet at: www.labourmarketinformation.ca Click left side of the page on About the Local Labour Market and Select Area Persons with Disabilities The Ontario March of Dimes, a charitable rehabilitation organization for persons with disabilities, operates an employment assessment centre that helps clients find work. It is available to both employed and unemployed persons with disabilities in Toronto, free of charge. Individuals can access sign language interpreters, a job placement service, teletype (TTY) services, job coaches, individual workshops and a computer resource centre. For more information call toll-free 1-800-263-3463 ext. 7227 or use TTY 416-425-8638. (Abilities: Spring 2007) www.marchofdimes.ca Youth A recently released Statistics Canada study The Busy Lives of Teens, states that in comparing data from 10 countries, Canadian teens aged 15 to 19 rank first in terms of hours spent on paid and unpaid work during the school week. In 2005,