In August, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased by 0.5 percentage points to 3.8%, currently the lowest in Ontario. The provincial unemployment rate increased by 0.3 percentage points to 5.8%, both unadjusted for seasonality.

Overall net employment in the region increased by 2,000, with full-time gains (+2,800) and part-time losses (-800).

The number of Goods-producing sector employees decreased by net 1,800. The Utilities sector once again experienced the biggest loss this month (-1,600) followed closely by Construction (-1,500). Agriculture remained stable whereas Manufacturing saw a gain of (+900).

Employment in the Services-producing sector increased by net 3,900. Many of these industries are seeing slow gains. Healthcare and social assistance experienced the largest gain (+1,900) whereas Educational services experienced the biggest loss (-1,700).

Dana Soucie, Executive Director for the Four County Labour Market Planning Board says, “The unemployment rate in our region is again the lowest in Ontario. 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 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 currently exceeds 2,700.

Source: media release