October 8, 1999
(Human Resources and Employment)

Employment growth remains strong in Newfoundland and Labrador

Buoyed by a strong economy, Newfoundland and Labrador continues to lead the country in employment growth.

According to Statistics Canada's September 1999 labour force numbers released today, employment for the province increased 5.3 per cent over this time last year. This marks the 13th consecutive month of year-over-year employment gains.

Employment gains were recorded in all regions and in a variety of sectors. Growth in employment was lead by increases in fish processing, finance, insurance and real estate, transportation and trade industries. "Our economy is continuing to strengthen," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "These numbers show that we are on the right track and give us confidence in planning our future."

Later this month, Bettney and a ministerial committee, chaired by Development and Rural Renewal Minister Beaton Tulk, will travel across the province for public consultations. Through "Securing Our Future Together: The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth" the ministers will seek input from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians on how to build upon the province's economic success and plan for the future.

"The economic future for the province remains bright," said Bettney. "We continue to lead the country in growth in investment, retail trade and GDP and our unemployment rate continues to decline."

From September 1998 to 1999, the unemployment rate decreased 1.5 percentage points to 14.9 per cent. This is the lowest unemployment rate since October 1990, prior to the collapse of the ground fishery.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the unemployment rate increased 0.3 percentage points from August.

Improved job prospects are having an impact on migration. Figures released by Statistics Canada yesterday for the 1998-1999 census year show an end to seven years of rising net out-migration levels. The numbers of people leaving the province declined slightly and there was a significant increase in the number of people entering the province. It is believed that this improvement in in-migration is largely a reflection of strengthening labour market conditions in the province.

The population as of July 1, 1999, was 541,164 compared to 545,571 in 1998. While this is a decline of 0.8 percent, it is the smallest decline for any year since the groundfishery closure.

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications, (709) 729-4062

1999 10 08 1:40 p.m.