News Release
October 2016 – Strong Service Producing Sector In Stratford Bruce Peninsula
Media Information:
Gemma Mendez-Smith
Walkerton, ON (October 7, 2016) – The unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula economic region decreased to 4.4% in September from 5.1% the previous month, closer to rates posted in June and July this year. On the other hand the province’s rate remained steady at 6.9%.
In our region, job numbers increased by 2,600, from 143,700 in August to 146,300 in September. This growth was driven by gains in both full-time and part-time work of 700 and 1,900 respectively.
The Goods-producing sector saw a slight decrease of jobs (-600) while the Services-producing sector saw a significant gain of 3,200 jobs.
The only gain in the Goods-producing sector was in Agriculture with 1,400 jobs while all other sectors experienced losses. The greatest loss was felt in Manufacturing (-1,100), while Utilities (-500) and Construction (-300) saw small losses. Numbers for this sector will not tally because of suppression of data in Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas.
There were significant gains in two of the Services-producing sub-sectors. Wholesale and retail trade saw 1,400 additional jobs and Accommodation and food services increased by 1,300 jobs. Only two of the Services-producing sub-sectors experienced losses. Health care and social assistance saw a loss of 900 jobs and Public administration with 500 less jobs.
Job postings continue to be strong in the region but there is an identified gap in filling positions. “As we continue to deal with the shortage of a local workforce we need to find ways to response to the immediate needs of local employers,” said Gemma Mendez-Smith, executive director at the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.
To help with this situation there is a small group working to host a job fair on November 1, 2016 in Stratford, ON. The Ministry of Advanced Education & Skills Development is supporting the initiative through the Employment Ontario Network; Partners in Employment, Conestoga Career Centre and Four County Labour Market Planning Board, as well as the City of Stratford.
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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.