CTV News Ottawa

Updated: Fri Nov. 06 2009 5:02:36 PM
ctvottawa.ca

Although more people are looking for a job in the national capital region, Ottawa-Gatineau is bucking the job loss trend that continues to hurt cities across the country.

In October, 800 people gained jobs in the capital. Although Ottawa recorded 200 job losses, Gatineau gained 1,000 positions, according to figures released Friday from Statistics Canada.

Despite the net job gain of 800 positions, Ottawa and Gatineau both recorded an increase in unemployment because more people are looking for work.

Ottawa's unemployment rate now sits at 5.2 per cent, up from 4.8 per cent. Gatineau's unemployment rate also rose slightly to 5.9 per cent from 5.8 per cent.

Nationally, 43,200 jobs were shed in October, surprising economists who expected the creation of 10,000 jobs after two months of moderate growth.

All the job losses were part-time positions, while full-time employment increased for the second consecutive month, according to the statistics.

Full-time employment, however, has fallen at a faster rate than part time work over the past year.

Analysts say the numbers suggest Canada's economy continues to struggle.