Welcome to our second online issue of Perspectives. This month we feature an article examining those who voluntarily work part time, as well as their reasons for doing so, their levels of work-related stress, and their job characteristics. The study found that although the part-time employment rate decreased slightly in the late 1990s, the proportion of part-timers who chose such jobs and did not want full-time work, increased. Consequently, the proportion of involuntary part-time workers-those who would have preferred full-time work-decreased.

This month's second article looks at the degree of inequality in the distribution of income within the provinces—a subject of continual debate. These articles will also appear in forthcoming quarterly print editions of Perspectives.

Highlights for "Part-time by choice" and "Income inequality within provinces" are available free from the "Perspectives: The online edition" main menu. Those wishing to have the full articles may order online (through our main page or the order button on the left). The subscription price is $5/month or $48/year. The subscription process remains unchanged for the quarterly print publication.

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions (e-mail: perspectives@statcan.gc.ca).