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NLIS 1
January 5, 2001
(Human Resources and Employment)

 

Annual employment figures released

Statistics Canada today released its Labour Force Survey data for December as well as its annual numbers for 2000.

For December 2000, employment in the province decreased 2.8 per cent, or about 5,700 jobs, as compared with the same time last year. The unemployment rate increased to 16.7 per cent, a 3.5 percentage point increase from December 1999. These results are consistent with the trends of the past several months.

Annual data for 2000 shows that employment fell slightly from 1999, and that the unemployment rate declined to 16.7 per cent from 16.9 per cent. On an annual basis, employment is still at one of its highest levels in a decade, and the unemployment rate is the lowest since 1989.

"While we expected a slowdown in employment growth in 2000, it was more pronounced than anticipated," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "Even though labour market performance was disappointing in 2000, a return to growth is expected as this year unfolds. Tax cuts, wage and salary gains, new manufacturing and IT investments, and continued tourism growth should benefit employment."

Annual employment losses were concentrated in fishery, construction and educational services. Despite the losses in the goods sector, the services sector continued to show expansion. Within the services sector, professional, scientific and technological services such as engineering, architecture and accounting performed well in 2000. Other industries showing growth include accommodations and food services, information, culture and recreation services, and retail trade.

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

2001 01 05                  1:00 p.m.


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