September 4, 2020
Labour Force Statistics for August Demonstrate Continued Success of Provincial Support Programs
– – –Steady Growth Shows #RestartMB Continues to Provide a Safe Roadmap to Recovery: Eichler
The latest economic indicators from Statistics Canada show Manitoba’s employment numbers increased by 8,100 from July to August, affirming the province’s #RestartMB plan is enabling economic recovery, Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler said today.
“Since the province’s recovery began in April, we’ve added 62,500 jobs, which accounts for close to seventy per cent of the job losses in March and April,” said Eichler. “Today’s numbers demonstrate the programs we’ve put in place have been a benefit for both businesses and Manitobans attempting to get back to work. We will continue investing in Manitobans to make sure our economy recovers and become even stronger.”
Manitoba’s labour force, the number of individuals who are employed or are actively seeking employment, is back to 99 per cent of pre-pandemic levels, with a labour force of 693,100 in August compared to 699,500 in February, noted Eichler.
In Manitoba, full-time employment was up 5,700, a 1.1 per cent increase, almost equal to the national average. Part-time employment increased by 2,400, an increase of 1.9 per cent.
The provincial unemployment rate edged down to 8.1 per cent, which ranks second in Canada. Private sector employment, including self-employed, increased by 8,200, a 1.8 per cent gain from August to July.
Youth employment increased by 4,400 positions, further indication that Manitoba’s youth programs are working.
“We have led the country with some of the most effective economic development and support programs to help Manitobans navigate and bounce back from this challenging time,” said Eichler. “From the beginning, we have targeted our #RestartMB programs with a focus on getting Manitobans back to work. The youth employment bump especially is a testament to the success of our youth employment initiatives, such as our Urban and Conservation Green Teams, the Student Jobs MB portal, and our Student Wage Subsidy.”
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