Several interesting recent developments in Canada’s digital economy have captured our attention at ICTC. Namely, GDP contribution by the Canadian ICT sector grew by $167 million in the third quarter of 2013, compared to the second quarter of 2013. At the same time, we saw a downward trend in employment. Despite strong growth in output, the ICT labour market is showing signs of being significantly affected by the global macroeconomic uncertainties. 32,000 ICT jobs were lost in the third quarter, with the jobless rate rising to 3.5%, from its customary low levels.
About: Sharif Faisal is an economist, currently working as a Labour market analyst with the Policy development and research team at ICTC. Faisal has significant progressively responsible experience with training in labour market information system (LMIS), skills forecasting, evaluation (M&E), workforce development, ICT4G, and livelihoods development work at leading organizations including The World Bank, Aga Khan Foundation, International Development & Relief Foundation, and ICTC. His research interests include labour market, human capital, gender and youth, migration, and social development.
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