The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region fell 0.5 percentage points to 3.8% in August, sitting at the lowest in Ontario.
Overall net employment in the region increased by 2,000, with 2,800 full-time gains and 800 part-time job losses.
In August, agricultural employment remained stable while manufacturing saw a gain of 900 positions. The number of goods-producing sector employees decreased by a net of 1,800. The utilities sector had the biggest loss, down 1,600, followed closely by construction, which lost 1,500 employees. Employment in the services-producing sector increased by net 3,900. Healthcare and social assistance experienced a gain of 1,900, with educational services saw a loss of 1,700 workers.
The provincial unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 5.8%, both unadjusted for seasonality.
"The unemployment rate in our region is again the lowest in Ontario," said Dana Soucie, executive director for the Four County Labour Market Planning Board. " This contributes to the ongoing challenges for employers to attract new workers and fill job openings. The participation rates show that those who are able to work are working, creating a critically tight labour market to pull from."
Current job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region have increased over time since the pandemic and can be found at: www.connect2JOBS.ca. The current number of job postings currently exceeds 2,700.