This paper measures the volatility of manufacturing employment in different Canadian regions for the period 1976-97. It first examines the structural characteristics of regional economies and relates them to their levels of employment volatility. The analysis then focuses on testing whether diversity, growth, plant size and export intensity are empirically related to volatility levels. The analysis also examines whether increases in export orientation of a region over the levels. The analysis also examines whether increases in export orientation of a region over the study period were associated with changes in industry specialization and employment volatility.

Statistical analysis, statistical tables, seasonal unemployment, seasonal employment, trends, Canada - methodology (X-II-ARIMA seasonal adjustment method); sex, age group and regional level trends from 1966; agricultural sector, industrial sector, service sector and public sector trends from 1970. Bibliography, graphs.