NB 690
May 9, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) - New Brunswick recorded a record labour force for the third time in 2008, and the number of employed New Brunswickers grew in April. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minister Ed Doherty reported today on the latest Labour Force Survey provided by Statistics Canada.
"I am very pleased that we are continuing to experience steady growth in our labour force and in the number of employed New Brunswickers," Doherty said. "It proves that the fundamentals we have in place are working to achieve our goal of self-sufficiency by 2026, and to position our province as a leader in economic development, as stated in the Charter for Change."
The province's labour force, which measures the number of New Brunswickers working or actively seeking work, hit a record 400,600 in April, an increase of 8,700 compared to the same month last year. The number of employed persons in the province also increased, to 367,300, up by 4,600 compared to the same time last year, and up by 1,000 from last month.
New Brunswick's unemployment rate dropped to 8.3 per cent in April, down from 8.5 per cent last month. The national unemployment rate for the month of April stood at 6.1 per cent.
"It is important we keep the momentum going to ensure we have in place an adaptable, skilled workforce that can take on the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead," Doherty said. "It will take the concerted efforts of government, our workforce, the private sector, our community leaders, and others to achieve our goal of self-sufficiency, but I am confident our hard work will pay off. We will continue to work to help New Brunswickers be engaged, be successful and be better in this province."
Employment growth in April was strongest in these top three areas on a year-over-year basis: utilities; public administration; and professional, scientific and technical services.
08/05/09
MEDIA CONTACT: Elaine Bell, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
08/05/09