Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Real GDP (a measure of economic growth) has grown slowly since 2013, rising from $32 billion Canadian dollars in 2013 to $33.5 billion Canadian dollars by 2017.
Jobs
From 2016 to 2017 the Private sector has added 2,800 jobs for a total of 449,000. Since 2008 it has lost 8,000 jobs but added 37,300 since 2000, showing growth in this sector. Average hourly wages have grown since 2001, rising from $14.86/hr to $21.90/hr in 2017.
From 2016 to 2017 the Manufacturing sector has added 1,900 jobs for a total of 31,000. Since 2010, however, it has lost 1,600 jobs and lost 11,000 jobs since 2000, showing decline in this sector but a slow recent recovery. Average hourly wages have grown since 2001, rising from $16.57/hr to $22.28/hr in 2017.
From 2016 to 2017 the Transportation and Warehousing sector lost 900 jobs for a total of 19,400. Since 2010 it has lost 100 jobs and lost 1,000 jobs since 2000, showing general stagnation in this sector. The average hourly earnings of Trade, Transportation and Utilities employees has increased significantly since 2009. Average hourly wages have grown since 2001, rising from $17.70/hr to $23.60/hr in 2017.
Unemployment
The unemployment rate was 7.2% in May 2018, 1.0% less than in 2017.
Housing
The Consumer Price Index (a measure of cost of living) has consistently increased since 2013, going from 127 to 132 from 2013-2017, above the national average of 130. The Consumer Price Index for Housing has grown slowly (going from 138 to 141 from 2013-2017) but is still above the national average of 136.
