Walkerton, ON (May 8, 2020) – In April, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region increased by 2.2 percentage points to 8.1%. At the same time, the provincial unemployment rate increased by 2 percentage points to 8.2%.

Overall employment in the region decreased by 6,600, with both full-time (-2,600) and part-time (-4,000) losses.

The number of Goods-producing sector employees decreased by 2,800 in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region. The greatest losses were in Manufacturing (-1,900) and Construction (-500).

Employment in the Services-producing sector decreased by 3,800. The greatest losses were in Wholesale and retail trade (-1,400) and Accommodation and food services (-1,400).

The Planning Board is continuing to survey people in Bruce/Grey/Huron/Perth to understand how the COVID-19 crisis is impacting the local workforce. This survey invites individuals in our communities to share their experiences. Please take a few minutes to fill out this anonymous and confidential survey here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FCLMPBCOVID19