Walkerton, ON (September 7, 2018) – In August, the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region continued to hold the lowest unemployment rate in the province at 3.2%, a .2 percentage point increase from the previous month’s rate of 3.0%. The provincial unemployment rate also rose .2 percentage points from 5.9% to 6.1%.

Employment increased by 900 in the region with full-time increases (+4,800) offset by part-time declines (-3,900) in August.

The number of Goods-producing sector employees increased by 900 in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region. More people were working in Construction (+2,500), while employment fell in Agriculture (-200), Utilities (-700) and Manufacturing (-500).

Employment in the Services-producing sector remained unchanged from July to August. The largest gains were in Information, culture and recreation (+1,300) and Public administration (+1,100). The largest employment losses were in Educational services (-1,200) and Transportation and warehousing
(-1,100).

Favourable news for the region’s economy included an announcement by BWXT and Brotech to bring up to 50 jobs to their new facilities in the former PPG facility in Owen Sound. Both companies are establishing local operations as part of the Bruce Power Life Extension Project.

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