Overview

The information provided consists primarily of estimates compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) staff, based on relevant reports from Statistics Canada. The period covered varies depending on data availability within the following ranges.

Quarterly labour force

Details such as participation and unemployment rates, the size of the labour force and employment numbers by industry for rural and urban areas are updated every 3 months. Comparisons are made between the latest quarter (Q4 2023) and:

  • the previous quarter
  • the same quarter from the previous year
  • before the pandemic

The next update for this data will be in June 2024.

Annual labour force characteristics and industry employment data

Data spanning from 2006 to 2023 is available, with the next update expected in 2025.

Quarterly housing starts data for rural areas

Information for Q3 2023 is available, with the next update scheduled for July 2024.

Executive summary

This information contained in the Rural Ontario Economic Monitor is designed to provide insights into labour market dynamics and housing trends in Ontario's rural and urban areas. This report comprises detailed charts and tables, including:

  • a summary table presenting quarterly labour force characteristics and employment by industry information
  • graphs demonstrating changes in employment over time in rural industries
  • graphs displaying changes in rural and urban labour force characteristics overtime
  • graphs comparing recent changes in rural industry employment and in labour force characteristics by quarter
  • maps displaying changes in unemployment rates and employment by economic region
  • graphs illustrating trends in rural housing starts

Disclaimer

While efforts are made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the presented facts, any decisions or conclusions made using this information remain the responsibility of the user.

If you require this information in an alternative format, please contact ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca. We will:

  • acknowledge your request within 3 business days
  • provide you with the content within 15 business days