High-tech workforce shrinks 7.33% since June: study
By Leo Valiquette, InBusiness Media Network
Ottawa-Hull's high-tech sector has lost 5,500 jobs since last June, according to a study released on Friday, as the region rides out the global economic downturn and the burst of the tech bubble last year.
The study, a joint effort between the Ottawa Business Journal and the Ottawa Centre for Research and Innovation, found that there were 69,500 people employed in the high tech sector in December, 7.33 per cent less than the 75,000 reported last June. The figure stood at 79,000 at the beginning of 2001.
The results came from a telephone survey of 85 per cent of the region's 1,100 high tech companies.
OCRI said the results indicate a healthy local economy that is riding out the storm better than many other areas of the country due to its diverse mix of government, high tech and hospitality workers.
Last week Statistics Canada reported that the local unemployment rate continues to beat the national average, at only 6.8 per cent compared to eight per cent. In December the average edged down in Ottawa while it rose to a three-year high nationally.
By its own tally, Statscan said 3,800 high tech jobs were added to the local pool in December. In November 1,500 high tech jobs were created in Ottawa, the first gain in eight months. Statscan compiles its data by polls that weigh each respondent to represent 180 to 200 people.
Statscan's figures show the local high-tech workforce at 67,000 in December. It pegs the all time high at 82,000, reached in March 2000.
The region's total workforce stands at 577,000, according to Statscan.
