NB 1354
Nov. 3, 2006
FREDERICTON (CNB) - There were 5,400 more people working in October as compared to last year, and the unemployment rate stood at 8.1 per cent. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty reported today on the latest Labour Force Survey provided by Statistics Canada.
"Although I am concerned with some of the labour force statistics, I am encouraged by the fact that the unemployment rate is dropping and more than 5000 people are working than at the same month last year," Doherty said. "We recognize that we face many labour force challenges,and we must find innovative ways to bring our skilled people back while keeping New Brunswickers working here at home."
He added that New Brunswick ranked eighth in labour force growth in the country in 2005 and when comparing 2005 to 2004, New Brunswick's year-over-year performance was significantly lower than what occurred nationally.
"We recognize that we need to do better over the long term," the minister said. "We committed to make job creation and economic development a priority again.We will do that through the plan outlined under the Charter for Change by changing the approach to economic development in our province and restoring the can-do spirit."
Figures released by Statistics Canada show that there were 352,700 New Brunswickers employed in October, up by 3,100 from last month and by 5,400 from the same time last year, when 347,300 people were working. The monthly unemployment rate stood at 8.1 per cent in October, which was down from 10.9 per cent at the same time last year. In addition, the labour force in the province which measures those working or actively seeking work stood at 383,800 last month.
Employment growth in October was strongest in finance, insurance and real estate; professional, scientific and technical services; and construction.
06/11/03
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Hearn, communications, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
06/11/03