Manitoba continues to have one of the strongest labour markets in the country according to the latest Statistics Canada employment report. This was announced by Entrepreneurship Training and Trade Minister Peter Bjornson.
“Contrary to what some critics might say, strong labour force and employment numbers over the last 12 months were led by private sector job growth, especially in manufacturing. Manitoba is a leader among the provinces with the lowest provincial unemployment rate,” said Bjornson.
The figures show employment in the private sector has increased by close to 10,000 jobs since February 2010. This means that more than four of every five jobs created in the last 12 months were in the private sector.
The manufacturing sector has been adding jobs at a rapid pace, with an additional 3,400 in February, Bjornson noted. Over the last 12 months, manufacturing employment has increased by 13,000 positions or 21.6 per cent.
“Our manufacturing industries are one of the most important job creators in the province. The total of 73,300 manufacturing jobs in February is the highest level in four years,” said Bjornson.
According to Statistics Canada, Manitoba is performing at or above the Canadian average on all the major employment and unemployment indicators:
• Manitoba’s unemployment rate, now at 5.3 per cent, has been the lowest in the country for the last six months. Youth unemployment now stands at 11.9 per cent, which is the second-lowest rate in the country.
• In the past 12 months, 11,800 jobs have been created. This 1.9 per cent increase equals the national growth rate.
• Since February 2010, private sector jobs have increased by 9,700. This 2.2 per cent growth is above the Canada growth of 1.8 per cent.
• Full-time jobs have risen by 6,800 since last February, a 1.4 per cent growth. This placed Manitoba growth above Canada rate which increased 1.1 per cent.
