NB 06
Jan. 5, 2007
FREDERICTON (CNB) – As another year came to a close, the unemployment rate remained steady in December to stand at 8.5 per cent, while the preliminary annual data for 2006 showed that New Brunswick experienced a 1.4 per cent increase in employment as compared to the previous year. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty reported today on the latest Labour Force Survey provided by Statistics Canada.
“A steady single-digit unemployment rate is important, and the fact that 2,200 more New Brunswickers were working last month is also encouraging, but we must continue to do more to address our labour market challenges,” Doherty said. “A new year brings new opportunities, and we will continue to be innovative in order to match and expand our skilled labour pool to meet the needs of our growing employer community.”
Figures released by Statistics Canada show that there were 354,300 New Brunswickers employed in December, up by 2,200 from last month. The monthly unemployment rate stood at 8.5 per cent in December, which was unchanged from the previous month. In addition, the labour force in the province which measures those working or actively seeking work stood at 387,000 last month.
“We recognize that we need to do better over the long term,” Doherty said. “We committed to make job creation and economic development a priority again, and I am excited that we will be finding new ways to retain and bring our skilled people back to our province to enjoy the quality of life they deserve here at home.”
Employment growth in December was strongest in these top three areas on a year over year basis: Finance, Insurance, Real Estate and Leasing; Construction; and Manufacturing.
07/01/05
MEDIA CONTACT: Shawn Hearn, communications, Post-Secondary Education and Training, 506-453-2568.
07/01/05