NLIS 4
May 5, 2000
(Human Resources and Employment)

Provinces unemployment rate down; employment up

Strong growth in the province�s manufacturing, trade and transportation sectors helped to boost Newfoundland and Labrador�s employment level while the unemployment rate dropped from last month.

According to Statistics Canada�s latest Labour Force Survey for the month of April, employment in the province increased by 3.8 per cent last month as compared to the same time period last year. This is a year over year increase of 7, 000 jobs. The unemployment rate dipped down 2.5 percentage points to 18.7 per cent over the same period.

"These latest numbers are very encouraging as we move into the summer months," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment. "We are approaching a very active employment season for Newfoundland and Labrador. Beginning this season with strong employment numbers is encouraging for our entire labour market."

On a seasonally adjusted basis, employment increased by 0.4 per cent over the last month. The unemployment rate dropped to 16.8 per cent.

"As our employment levels increase we are seeing an impact on other areas like our social assistance caseload," said Minister Bettney. "These effects aren�t only about numbers. They also reflect a growing confidence in our economy. People are increasingly recognizing that our economy is more diverse and continuing to grow stronger."

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

2000 05 05                                         2:50 p.m.