to give you an idea I am located a couple hours west of Toronto. I am a independant contractor, all summer we had 50 to 60 hour weeks incl every other sat. Since Sept things have slowed down major , everybody is cutting down on expenses. The automotive sector for example ( nut and bolt factories) major lay offs to the extent of half staff. Down to two shifts instead of three and looking at a four week shut down at Christmas. Lumber whole salers products not moving and people just standing around. My work load has reduced by 60 percent which has me very worried ( last week lay-offs ). the only good thing now is the price of fuel 75 cents per liter down from 1.35