Canada's GDP increased markedly in November 1982 officially ending the recession, although employment growth did not resume until December 1982 before faltering again in 1983. The average unemployment rates for 1982 and 1983 averaged 11.1% and 12%, respectively, steep rises from 7.6% in 1981. A slowdown in productivity in Canada also emerged during the recession as average output per worker slowed by 1%. The lingering effects of the recession combined with mechanization and companies downsizing to complete internationally, kept Canada's unemployment rates above 10% until 1986. Despite this, Canada's GDP growth rate was among the highest of the OECD countries from 1984–86, although growth was by far strongest in Ontario and Quebec.