Labour market conditions continue to improve in Newfoundland and Labrador

Joan Burke, Minister of Human Resources, Labour and Employment is encouraged by the positive response of the business community to the Labour Force Survey. The survey, released by Statistics Canada on Friday, showed employment increasing in the province as the unemployment rate dropped slightly.

"I am pleased to see continued improvement in the provincial labour market," said Minister Burke. "So far this year we have seen employment growth each month. Increases in the labour force reflect the strengthening optimism of job seekers. These numbers are another measure that help create a climate of confidence as they paint a positive picture of the labour market in this province."

Since January 2004, labour market conditions in the province have continued to improve. The labour force averaged 264,300 in the first seven months of 2004, up by 1.1 per cent compared to the first seven months of 2003. The survey also shows employment averaged 219,600, up by 1.9 per cent during that period and that the unemployment rate is down 0.6 percentage points to 17 per cent.

Compared to July 2003, employment rose by 4.5 per cent and the labour force increased by 2.7 per cent. Employment gains continue to be concentrated in the goods sector in industries such as fisheries, manufacturing and construction.

Media contact: Kelly Foss, Communications, (709) 729-6225.

2004 08 09                                        4:30 p.m.