4.5 Working with macroeconomics data: Labour force characteristics data across Canadian provinces

The unemployment rate and labour force participation rate offer a brief view of the labour market situation. What are the differences in the labour market across the country? In addition, employment insurance (EI) is a social program run by the federal government to make sure people are well supported during the job searching process. We will look into the labour market and the EI policy in this exercise.

Step 1: Download the data

1. Go to StatsCan Table 14-10-0287-01 to access the data on labour force characteristics.
2. Click Add/Remove Data and make the following choices in each tab:
   • Geography: Click the + beside Canada. Unselect Canada and select British Columbia and one other province of your choice.
   • Labour force characteristics: Click the + beside Population. Select Population, Labour force, Employment, and Unemployment.
   • Sex: Click the + beside Both sexes. Unselect Select All.
   • Age Group: Select 15 years and over.
   • Statistics: Select Estimate.
   • Data Type: Select Seasonally adjusted.
   • Reference period: Select from January 2007 to the most recent month available.
   • Customize Layout: Select Row for Geography and Labour force characteristics. Select Column for everything else.

Step 2: Calculate unemployment and labour force participation rates and generate the graph

1. Calculate unemployment rate and labour force participation rates in Excel for both provinces.
2. Generate a graph with your data:
   • The x-axis should show time.
   • The graph should have two y-axes, one for unemployment rate and one for labour force participation rate.
   • Each y-axis should use a different chart type.
   • Show data for both provinces.
3. Analyze your graph. What are the commonalities and differences between BC and the other province?

Step 3: Collect and understand data about the EI program

Collect EI data for two regions in Canada.

1. Look up EI regions by postal code.
   1. Look up UVic’s postal code, V8P 5C2, and one other region outside Victoria of your choice. (You can use Find a Postal Code and type a random city or address to find one.)
   2. Complete the table in your answer sheet.
2. Click the region’s name to view its EI program characteristics (Figure 4.1). Record this information in the answer sheet.
3. Compare the unemployment rate and the EI qualification information for the two regions.

Figure 4.1

Results from the postal code (V8P 5C2)