NB 290
March 7, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswick's labour force rose to a record high, going above the 400,000 plateau in February, with more than 8,000 additional New Brunswickers working than compared to a year ago. These were the highlights as Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty released the monthly labour force figures from Statistics Canada.
"These figures indicating strong employment growth are very encouraging, as they once again show that New Brunswickers have confidence in our economy," Doherty said. "More people in this province are either working or actively seeking work than a year ago. In addition, the number of New Brunswickers working has increased by 17,000 since our government was elected in September 2006."
Figures released today by Statistics Canada indicate that there were 367,800 New Brunswickers employed in February, up by 2,700 from last month, and up by 8,100 compared to the same month last year. New Brunswick also experienced a record-high labour force of 400,300 last month, up by 2,400 compared to January, and up by 13,900 compared to February 2007. The province also experienced the largest increase in its labour force on a year-over-year basis, a 3.6 per cent increase compared to the national rate of 1.9 per cent.
The monthly unemployment rate stood at 8.1 per cent in February, down from 8.2 per cent in January.
"We will be watching these figures closely as we continue to work with community partners and industry leaders to find more ways to diversify our economy and get more New Brunswickers actively participating in the workforce," Doherty said. "We will continue to focus on our long-term plan for self-sufficiency as outlined in the Charter for Change, so more New Brunswickers can be successful in this place."
Employment growth in February was strongest in these top three areas on a year-over-year basis: professional, scientific and technical services; public administration; and construction.
08/03/07
MEDIA CONTACT: Elaine Bell, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
08/03/07