Canadian workers are feeling optimistic about the year ahead, especially if they reside in Alberta.
According to a BMO Bank Of Montreal poll released Monday, workers in Alberta are most likely to believe more jobs will be created and more investments will be made by their employers.
"Regionally, Albertans are the most likely to say that their employer will be hiring more people in the coming year (52 per cent), and are among the most likely to say that they will be investing in training (55 per cent) and purchasing new equipment (55 per cent)," said BMO in a statement.
"Even though the Canadian economy overall has slowed, employment remains healthy and the unemployment rate has come down," said Douglas Porter, Deputy Chief Economist, BMO Capital Markets. "In recent months, the unemployment rate hit its lowest level in four years at just over 7 per cent, and may well fall further later this year."
STORY CONTINUES AFTER GALLERY..
Canadian Workers Optimistic For 2013
After Alberta, the next highest numbers were posted by Alberta's eastern neighbours, Sasktachewan and Manitoba.
By comparison, the national numbers show that 38 per cent believe more workers will be hired in 2013, which is a massive jump from last year's 17 per cent.
Across Canada, workers are also optimistic about investments in employee training - 42 per cent, up from 18 per cent last year, and investements in equipment and technology - 45 per cent, up from 20 per cent last year.