The following statement was issued today by Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Minister discusses results of employment survey

I would like to bring my colleagues and all members of the House of Assembly up to date on the results of the most recent employment survey by Statistics Canada, which shows an encouraging growth in employment for Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Labour Force Survey is one of the primary sources of information for a variety of labour market indicators including employment, unemployment and participation in the labour force. These monthly survey estimates are also among the most important indicators used to measure the performance of the Canadian and provincial economies. It is from this survey that the official unemployment rate is calculated.

I am pleased to report today that employment in March 2004 in Newfoundland and Labrador rose by two per cent, compared to March of last year. That represents an increase of just over 4,000 people successfully employed in our province who were not working during the same period last year. At the same time, the unemployment rate has dropped by a full percentage point, compared to March 2003.

In addition, the number of people participating in the labour force has increased. This is traditionally viewed as a sign that confidence in the economy is building and our citizens believe that opportunities in the workforce are increasing.

These figures are consistent with results in earlier months as well. For the first three months of this year, compared to the same period in 2003, employment is up 1.5 per cent and the unemployment rate is down 1.1 percentage points. These are truly encouraging results compared to the same period last year.

This government intends to build on these figures, investing in economic development and job creation that will bring prosperity and opportunity to people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

2004 04 12                                         2:00 p.m.