In November, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region decreased again, falling to 2.4%, and continuing to occupy the lowest unemployment rate in the province. Since January 2001, this is only the third time that the unemployment rate for Stratford-Bruce Peninsula has fallen below 3%. (In July 2001, the unemployment rate was 2.8%; in July 2017 it was 2.9%). Last month, the provincial unemployment rate saw a decrease of 0.5 percentage points to 4.9%.

Overall employment in the region decreased by 400 with full-time losses (-1,000) offset by part-time gains (+600).

The number of Goods-producing sector employees increased by 2,200 in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region. The greatest gains were in Construction (+1,100) and Utilities (+600). Employment in the Services-producing sector decreased by 2,500. The greatest losses were in Information, culture and recreation (-900) and Other services (except public administration) (-700).

“Now more than ever we need to implement creative solutions to grow our region's workforce. As the Stratford -Bruce Peninsula continues to experience economic strength the demand for workers is palpable,” says Gemma Mendez-Smith, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.

source: media release