NB 18
Jan. 11, 2008
FREDERICTON (CNB) -New Brunswick was first among the Atlantic Provinces and fourth in Canada in annual average employment growth in 2007. Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour Minster Ed Doherty reported today on provincial highlights of the Statistics Canada monthly labour force survey for December, which also included a new record level for the province's labour force.
"This is positive news as it demonstrates that New Brunswickers have confidence in our economy and that our strategies to build a strong adaptable labour force are working," Doherty said. "I am pleased that New Brunswick's labour statistics for 2007 finished on a strong note."
Preliminary data shows that the average number of employed New Brunswickers in 2007 was 362,800, compared with 355,400 in 2006. New Brunswick also experienced an average annual unemployment rate of 7.5 per cent in 2007, a significant decrease from 8.8 per cent the year before and the highest decrease in this statistic compared with other Canadian provinces.
Figures released by Statistics Canada also show that New Brunswick's labour force experienced a record level of 398,000, an increase of 10,900 from December 2006. The labour force measures those working or seeking work. There were 366,900 New Brunswickers employed in December, a substantial increase of 12,600 from the same time last year.
The monthly unemployment rate edged up to 7.8 per cent, an increase from 7.2 per cent last month but down from 8.5 per cent in December 2006.
"We will continue to focus on our long term plan as outlined in the Charter for Change and keep the momentum going through 2008," Doherty said. "By working with our stakeholders, industry and community leaders, we can better equip our workforce to respond to the changing needs of today's economy, and position New Brunswick as a leader in economic development and put our province on the road to self-sufficiency."
Employment growth in December was strongest in the following areas: professional, scientific and technical services; utilities; and forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas.
08/01/11
MEDIA CONTACT: Elaine Bell, communications, Post-Secondary Education, Training and Labour, 506-453-2568.
08/01/11