Regional Unemployment Rate Rises to 6% in February
February's unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region, including Owen Sound, rose to 6%, driven by job losses in agriculture and manufacturing.
The unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region, which includes Owen Sound, rose to 6% in February—an increase of 0.2 percentage points from the previous month.
This comes as the labour force shrank by 600 people, despite a population increase of 300. According to the Four County Labour Market Planning Board, the provincial unemployment rate remained unchanged at 7.2%.
Job losses were concentrated in the goods-producing sector, which saw a decline of nearly 3,000 jobs, largely due to seasonal reductions in agriculture (-1,800 jobs). Manufacturing and construction also saw declines.
Meanwhile, the services sector added 2,100 jobs, with gains in public administration (+800), retail (+3,000), and business support services (+700).
However, accommodation and food services (-900) and professional and technical fields (-700) experienced losses.
Key Figures:
Unemployment Rate: 6% (+0.2 percentage points)
Labour Force Change: -600 people
Total Job Losses: -800 jobs
Full-Time Jobs Lost: -1,700
Part-Time Jobs Gained: +900
Current Job Postings: 1,370
For job seekers, opportunities continue to rise, with 1,370 positions currently listed across Bruce, Grey, Huron, and Perth counties at www.connect2JOBS.ca.