NLIS 3
June 9, 2000
(Human Resources and Employment)

Provincial employment remains stable

Employment numbers remained stable during the month of May, according to the latest figures from Statistics Canada. The number of employed in May stood at 205,700, unchanged from May 1999 and remaining at the highest level for this month since 1989.

"While there has been no employment increase this month compared with last year, I�m very pleased that employment was sustained at a level that is the highest in over a decade," said Human Resources and Employment Minister Julie Bettney.

Gains this month were made in the service sector, with strong performances in retail trade, transportation and financial and information services. These offset losses in the construction and manufacturing industries.

The unemployment rate stood at 18 per cent, down 1.7 percentage points over this time last year. This is the lowest rate for May since 1989.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, employment increased by 0.6 per cent, while the unemployment rate fell 0.7 percentage points.

"Opportunities for employment growth look good as we head into a strong tourist season," said Minister Bettney, "and the recent announcement that Convergys Corp is establishing a call centre that will create about 1,000 new jobs is certainly good news."

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

2000 06 09                                                     1:45 p.m.