System is intended to cover workers in the gig economy, retail and hospitality jobs who don't have benefits, as well as people who change careers
Latest U.S. data shows strength in manufacturing
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