November 5, 1999
(Human Resources and Employment)

Solid labour market performance continues for Newfoundland and Labrador

Newfoundland and Labrador continues to experience significant employment gains according to the latest labour force survey released by Statistics Canada today.

Compared to this time last year the province's employment rate for the month of October increased by 2.6 per cent, indicating a gain of 5,500 jobs. The same comparison shows a drop of 1.5 per cent in the unemployment rate.

On a seasonally adjusted basis employment increased by 0.9 per cent between September and October and the unemployment rate declined by 0.3 percentage points.

"I am really pleased to see our labour force numbers holding strong for yet another month," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "This is the fourteenth consecutive month we have seen improvements in employment, a great indication that the province is experiencing long term sustainable growth."

The employment increases can be attributed to a diverse number of areas including fish processing, trade, construction and transportation industries.

"There is no doubt that we are moving in a positive direction," said Minister Bettney. "We are seeing concrete evidence that our economy is improving and private sector forecasters expect this to continue into the New Year."

Minister Bettney also noted a significant decline in social assistance caseloads. Caseloads dropped by 370 cases from September to October 1999. This is actually 1,288 fewer cases than in October 1998 and the second lowest month for a social assistance caseload for this year.

Media contact: Paul Power, Communications, (709) 729-6156.

1999 11 05 2:20 p.m.