Regional economies don't appear to be out of the woods after some tough operating conditions in the September quarter

Provisional estimates from Infometrics show that despite a flat level in economic activity compared to a year ago, there is variation.

Principal Economist Brad Olsen says provincial and rural areas are hurting the most, with a 0.3 and 0.4 percent annual fall in economic activity.

He says in comparison, metro areas are up slightly.