The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased by 0.1 percent in March to 4.5%. The region continues to have the second lowest jobless rate in Ontario. The provincial unemployment rate increased by 0.1 percentage point to 6.2%, both unadjusted for seasonality.
Overall net employment in the region increased by 3,000, with full-time gains (+2,200) and part-time gains (+800). The number of Goods-producing sector employees increased by net 2,700. The main driving force came from gains in Agriculture (+1,200) and Manufacturing (+800). Employment in the Services-producing sector increased by net 300. However, Health care and social assistance experienced another month of losses (-2,600). The gains in Wholesale and retail trade (+2,500) and other sectors offset the losses, which resulted in positive net gains.
"We are continuing to see that the local unemployment rate remains one of the lowest in the province. We need to focus on helping workers acquire the skills they need for available positions, as well as supporting individuals who may have left the workforce and are now in a position to re-enter the labour market" says Sarah Pelton, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.