October 2017 – Unemployment Rate Continues A Slow Rise

By September 8, 2017 March 11th, 2020 News, News Release 2017

News Release

October 2017 – Unemployment Rate Continues A Slow Rise

Media Information:

Walkerton, ON (September 8, 2017) – The August unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region rose by 0.5% points to 3.4%, the result of more people participating in the labour market as more people searched for work. At the same time, the unemployment rate in Ontario was little changed, drop 0.1% to 6.3% in August.

Employment in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region increased by 2,900 in August, continuing an upward trend since July of 2017. The gain was mostly in part-time work (+3,500). Over the same period, employment in full-time work declined by 700.

Employment in the Goods-producing sector saw a small decline of 100 in August. Fewer people worked in Manufacturing (-700) and Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas (-400), whereas the Construction (+600) and Utilities (+400) saw the biggest gains.

In contrast, employment increased in Services-producing sector, led by Health care and social assistance (+2,700), Wholesale and retail trade (+1,400), Transportation and warehousing (+900), and Information, culture and recreation (+700). There were smaller increases in Professional, scientific and technical services (+100). Losses were greatest in Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (-1,100), Public administration (-500), Other services except public administration (-500), and Accommodation and food services (-400).

Favourable employment news in August includes the opening of Cowbell Brewery complex in Blyth with around100employees. ConstructiononanexpandedFoodlandgrocerystoreisscheduledtobeginin September 2017 in Owen Sound. The 34,000 sq.ft store is expected to open in spring 2018 and will create approximately 60 new jobs. Sleep Country Canada Holdings Inc., a mattress retailer, is hiring sales associates for its new store in Owen Sound.

 

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.