The Monster Worldwide Inc. (NYSE: MWW) employment index for Canada rose six points to 108 in the third quarter. However, the index was down 37 points compared with the same period last year.

"The Monster employment index has increased for a second consecutive quarter and reflects significant increases in online recruitment across the country," said Peter Gilfillan, senior VP of international sales and general manager of Monster Canada. "While hiring activity by Canadian employers remains lower than a year ago, it continues to show clear gains that are encouraging as we head into the fourth quarter."

Monster's index is based on a review of online job ads taken from a selection of Web sites, including Monster.ca.