(Blackburn News file photo)(Blackburn News file photo)
Midwestern

Local unemployment rate inches up in November

The Four County Labour Market Planning Board has released it's November job figures.

The Stratford-yo-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region continued to hold the lowest unemployment rate in the province at 3.6 percent. But this is an increase of 0.1 percentage points compared to the previous month.

Employment decreased by 4,200 in the region, with full-time losses partially offset by part-time gains.

The greatest losses were in Accommodation and Food Services, Wholesale and Retail Trade and Information, Culture and Recreation.

Bruce Power announced an MOU with nuclear contractor Framatome with potential for hundreds of new hires over the next several years.

With the $18 million expansion project underway, Gateway Casino in Hanover has begun the process of hiring up to 70 new employees.

Hart Department Store will be opening in part of the former Sears location in Stratford.   They will be hiring 30 to 40 staff, and anticipate keeping approximately 15 in permanent positions after the Christmas season.

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