While some workers are desperately hunting for jobs, other local companies are badly in need of skilled employees.

Ottawa's Dale Stevenson said he lost his job about six weeks ago at Independent Living Canada, a non-profit organization that receives federal funding.

"I think in not-for-profit organizations you're always a little bit worried about how secure it is, but it came as a surprise for me in this situation," he said.

Stevenson has joined the growing number of unemployed Canadians, according to Statistics Canada.

In October, 54,000 jobs were lost across the country – almost 72,000 full-time jobs offset by some growth of part-time positions.

Ottawa's unemployment went up to 5.6 per cent, with Gatineau's also rising to 6.8 per cent – the first time the region has lost jobs since February and the highest number of losses since May 2009.

Canada's national unemployment rate is 7.3 per cent.

Stevenson, a 36-year-old who has a neurological disorder, said he's highly qualified in communications, research and writing with a masters degree and experience developing websites.

"Recently I'm feeling discouraged in the job search," he said. "I've applied for 20 jobs in the past six weeks."

"I've got some friends who have been looking for quite a few months and can't seem to get any traction," said another job hunter.

On the other side of the coin is Ottawa online company Shopify, which sets up online stores for businesses.

They're expanding out of their Byward Market offices and looking to hire 20 to 30 people.

"It's almost an open invitation," said Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke. "If you're a great developer, great designer send us an e-mail and we'll have a position for you."

The head of Ottawa's economic development organization said the technology sector jobs aren't limited to Shopify.

"Within Ottawa, I'd say there's 300 to 400 positions open in the knowledge-based industry," said Bruce Lazenby, president and CEO of OCRI. "It's a question of whether or not you've got the skills to fit into that position."

There may be more people coming like Stevenson as Ottawa's public sector braces for job cuts.

Ottawa has already lost 14,000 jobs from federal, provincial and local governments in the last year, which includes retirees not being replaced.

155,000 people in Ottawa and Gatineau work for the government.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's Karen Soloman