The unemployment rate in the Four County Labour Market Planning Board's Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region dropped slightly in September, reaching 4.8 percent, the second lowest in Ontario.
According to new data, the region added roughly 1,600 jobs last month, a one percent increase from August. Most of the growth came from full-time employment, which rose by 3,000 positions, while part-time work declined by 1,400.
The total labour force expanded by about 1,400 people, pushing the region’s participation rate up to 58.6 percent. Executive Director Dana Soucie said the shift points to growing confidence among local workers and employers.
"With an increase in both full-time employment and participation rates, our region’s labour force is trending in the right direction," said Soucie.
The region’s goods-producing industries saw a decline overall, falling by three percent, or 1,800 jobs. The biggest drop came in utilities, down 12 percent, followed by manufacturing, which lost five percent of its workforce. The agriculture sector also saw modest losses, down by roughly 200 jobs, or 0.2 percent. Construction, however, remained a bright spot, adding 800 new positions, a four percent increase.
Meanwhile, the service-producing sector led the region’s growth, gaining 3,300 jobs, an increase of four percent. Health care and social assistance saw the largest employment boost, up 14 percent with 2,600 new positions. Educational services and business support services also posted strong gains.
Sectors that declined included finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing.
Job postings across Bruce, Grey, Huron, and Perth counties continue to rise, with more than 2,000 opportunities currently listed on the region’s employment portal, connect2JOBS.ca.
