In March, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased by 0.1 percentage point to 4.5%, remaining the second lowest 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.

Current job postings for the Bruce, Grey, Huron, Perth region have increased overtime since the pandemic and can be found at: www.connect2JOBS.ca. This is updated regularly so visit often and create your account to track the job opportunities. Our current number of job postings exceeds 2,700.

Note: Statistics Canada’s monthly Labour Force Survey provides estimates of employment and unemployment, based on a sampling of households in communities. Stratford-Bruce Peninsula figures represent a three-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality.

source: Four County Labour Market Board