Walkerton, ON (September 6, 2019) – In August, the unemployment rate for the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region increased by 0.5 percentage points to 4.3%. This is higher than a year ago where the August 2018 unemployment rate was 3.2%. The provincial unemployment rate also saw a slight increase of 0.1 percentage points to 6.1% over the course of the year.

Overall Employment decreased by 700 in the region with losses in both full-time (-600) and part-time (-100) employment.

The number of Goods-producing sector employees decreased by 2,000 in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region. The greatest losses were in Construction (-800) followed by Utilities (-500) and Agriculture (-500).

Employment in the Services-producing sector increased by 1,300. The greatest gains were in Healthcare and social assistance (+2,100) followed by Business, building (+1,200) and other support services (+1,100).

Bruce County launches the “Jobs in Bruce” initiative, Bruce County is calling it the region’s most comprehensive job board, connecting employers with job seekers on a single platform. North Huron is looking to expand its Community Improvement Plan to include grants for structural upgrades for downtown businesses including improving accessibility. Grey County wants the Province to allow a four year nursing program at Georgian College in Owen Sound to attract and retain desperately needed nurses and long term care workers trained.

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