(CanStockPhoto.com photo)(CanStockPhoto.com photo)
Midwestern

Part-Time Jobs Keep Local Unemployment Rate Down

The unemployment rate in the Stratford-to-Bruce Peninsula economic region continues to decline.

The November figure was listed as 3%, which is down 0.9% from October.

The province’s rate also dropped from 6.6% to 5.9%.

The Four County Labour Market Planning Board points out that the unemployment rate dropped at the same time the number of people in the labour market grew.

The region saw a net gain of 3,200 jobs, with the most significant growth in part-time positions.

"This is a positive sign for our region. It reflects that there are opportunities available and people are finding employment locally," says Gemma Mendez-Smith, executive director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board.

The recent $60-million expansion announcement by Gay Lea Foods ensures the future of 85 jobs in Teeswater and will mean the creation of an additional 20 positions.

Mendez-Smith expressed confidence by the announcement saying, "This is exciting for a small village. Gay Lea Foods’ investment into rural Ontario will boost the economy of Teeswater and surrounding areas."

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File photo courtesy of  © Can Stock Photo Inc. / dehooks

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