Walkerton, ON (October 5, 2018) – In September, the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region continued to hold the lowest unemployment rate in the province at 3.1%, falling 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month. The provincial unemployment rate also fell 0.1 percentage points to 6.0%.

Employment decreased by 1,200 in the region with full-time decreases (-2,500) offset by part-time increases (+1,200) in September.

The number of Goods-producing sector employees increased by 1,400 in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region. More people were working in Construction (+800), Agriculture (+400) and Manufacturing (+200).

Employment in the Services-producing sector decreased by 2,600. The greatest losses were in transportation and warehousing (-1,500), Other services (except public administration) (-900), Professional, scientific and technical services (-600) and Wholesale and retail trade (-500). These decreases were offset by gains in Health care and social assistance (+2,200) and Finance, insurance, real estate, rental and leasing (+900).

Favourable news for the region’s economy includes an announcement about a major expansion of the Gateway Casino in Hanover that will create 70 new jobs. In partnership with Bruce Power and VPI Employment, the Organization of Canadian Nuclear Industries (OCNI) hosted a Nuclear Job Fair and Information Session in Port Elgin on October 4. Following September’s announcement of their new Owen Sound location, BWXT hosted a job fair on September 28 and 29.

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