Less than half of the 2.9 million "missing" workers are expected to return
StatsCan seasonal adjustments show jobs finished strong for 2021
Any stimulus should be wound down before the end of March, says federal parliamentary budget officer Yves Giroux
Jobless rate, unemployed population remain above pre-pandemic levels
Wages also rose sharply in December, with average hourly pay jumping 4.7%
Business restrictions, labour shortages to hamper economic activity
Unemployment fell to 5.9% in December, not far north of the record 5.4% low in 2019. But omicron could push up the jobless rate this month
Quits were high in the low-wage hotel and restaurant industries
Rate increases could be more gradual as the bank decides if it has properly estimated the labour market's full potential
Business is improving in Toronto’s underground mall system, but lags street-level activity