[thistleclub]

CMA FTW!

The place to be: No. 5 in nation for jobs, wage
(Hamilton Spectator, Steve Arnold, Nov 22 2013)

Regina has topped Hamilton — but in the labour market, not on the football field.

A new study ranks Hamilton as one of the top five labour markets in Canada, placing Hamilton as fifth and Regina in the top spot.

In addition, Hamilton is the only eastern Canadian city in the top five, ranked well ahead of Toronto, Kitchener and London.

Prepared by the Bank of Montreal's economics section, the report ranks cities as labour destinations based on median income, unemployment rate, employment growth and housing costs.

"What really sets Hamilton apart is your lower housing cost," said economist Robert Kavcic, author of the study. "Your high incomes and low unemployment are also attractive."

Kavcic's figures show Hamilton boasting a median income of $69,900 compared to $70,500 in Regina, an average year-to-date unemployment rate of 6.4 per cent compared to 3.5 and average home prices of $381,000 compared to $311,400 in Regina.

However, the study found the city's employment growth lagging much of the country.

Employment here fell 1.2 per cent over the last year. Regina posted employment gains of 6 per cent over the year.