About Our Workforce

 

Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region (covering Bruce, Grey, Huron and Perth counties) has unique labour market characteristics differ greatly from other parts of Ontario. Understanding the complexity of the local labour market are crucial to formulating targeted strategies best support a sustainable workforce. This page is a quick summary of major trends affecting our workforce. We have created a  compilation of data sets for you to compare how our region’s key labour market indicators have changed over time.

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Unemployment Rate

Unemployment rate measures the percentage (%) of job seekers (i.e. those who are unemployed and actively looking for work) in the labour force.

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Labour Force

The labour force is comprised of those in the 15 years of age and over population who are either employed or have been actively looking for work.

Participation rate

The participation rate is defined as the labour force expressed as a percentage (%) of the population 15 years of age and over.

 

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Major Workforce Trends

In 2024, the size of workforce aged 55 years and over (i.e. 55 to 64 years and 65 years and over) reached all-time high.

Over the past few years, we have seen a decrease in overall labor market participation, especially among population of 55 to 64 years age. While the Region is getting older and faster than most of Ontario, a declining participation rate among more senior population groups further stringent the local labour supply.