NLIS 6
September 7, 2001 
(Human Resources and Employment)

 


Employment numbers continue upward trend

For the eighth consecutive month, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded strong employment growth on a year over year basis. Average monthly employment is up by 6,800 since the start of the year as compared to the same period in 2000.

"Based on year-to-date data, we expect record annual employment of about 211,000 this year," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "We've experienced strong year over year employment growth for every month in 2001, indicating a stronger and more active labour market."

According to Statistics Canada's latest Labour Force Survey, employment in the province grew by 4.6 per cent, or more than 10,000 jobs, in August as compared to the same time period last year. Along with the employment increases came an increase in the number of people actively seeking employment. As a result, the unemployment rate rose slightly by 0.2 percentage points to 15.3 per cent as compared to August 2000. 

"It's very encouraging to see employment continue to grow for the month of August," said Minister Smith. "What's most exciting is that these gains are being met with a renewed confidence in our provincial economy with more people actively participating in our labour market."

Employment gains were widespread and concentrated in health care, transportation and warehousing, wholesale and retail trade, and information, culture and recreation services.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, the province recorded an employment increase of 2,900 for the month of August as compared to July 2001. The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 15.9 per cent, an increase of 0.3 percentage points from the previous month. 

"As we approach the last few months of 2001, we can confidently say this year is turning out to be very significant for Newfoundland and Labrador," said Minister Smith. "We have not seen this level of employment growth since the early 1990s, and we expect this growth to continue. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, our community partners and stakeholders have all worked very hard to improve our economy through efforts such as our Jobs and Growth strategy and the Strategic Social Plan. It is very satisfying to see these efforts result in increased employment opportunities for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians."

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

2001 09 07                                         1:25 p.m. 


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