Employment in Ontario increased by 28,800 in January -- bolstered by gains in manufacturing, finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing, and accommodation and food services sectors.
The majority of these net new jobs are in the private sector. Ontario's unemployment rate was 6.4 per cent in January, and has been lower than the national average for 22 months in a row.
Ontario's economy is growing and is expected to remain one of the fastest-growing in Canada over the next two years. According to the Economic Accounts, the province's real GDP (gross domestic product) grew 0.7 per cent in the third quarter (July to September) of 2016, slightly stronger than the average of all G7 countries. Over the first three quarters of 2016, Ontario's real GDP growth has outpaced that of Canada's and all other G7 countries.
The province is focused on ensuring everyone is able to benefit from and contribute to that growth. People are feeling insecure in a changing economy, and the government is committed to working with all regions of the province to help create jobs and prosperity.
Supporting Ontario's workforce is part of our plan to create jobs, grow our economy and help people in their everyday lives.