This data set employs small area estimation methods to enhance the availability of labour force characteristics for sub-provincial areas, including census metropolitan areas (CMAs), census agglomerations (CAs), and a complementary geography called self-contained labour areas (SLAs). SLAs are functional areas composed of census subdivisions outside of CMAs and CAs, grouped according to commuting patterns derived from data on place of work from the Census Program.

This small area estimation method uses modelling techniques to combine estimates from the Labour Force Survey (LFS) with auxiliary data from Employment Insurance Statistics and demographic population projections. Small area estimates improve data availability and the precision of estimates, supporting more effective development and evaluation of employment policy in smaller communities and rural areas.

Additional details available here: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2024025-eng.htm

Use this interactive dashboard to consult a map of the self-contained labour areas and to visualize various labour market indicators:
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2024025-eng.htm