The regional unemployment rate in the area that includes Bruce and Grey counties fell to its lowest level in nearly five years last month.
The Four County Labour Market Planning Board says the jobless rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula region was 2.4 per cent in June, the lowest number since November 2019.
The regional economy added 2,600 new full-time jobs, which was partially offset by the loss of 1,400 part-time positions.
The local labour force participation rate — the number of people in the job market expressed a percentage of population ages 15 and older — was unchanged in June, at 59.8 per cent.
The professional, scientific and technical services (+1,600), finance, insurance and real estate (+1,100) accommodation and food services (+1,000), and utilities (+700) sectors led the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula job gains in June.
While the healthcare and social assistance (-1,200), manufacturing (-900) and building/other support services (-700) industries posted the greatest employment losses.
The regional unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula area in June (2.4%) continued to run contrary to broader trends in Canada. Ontario’s jobless rate increased to seven per cent last month. Nationally, the number also climbed to 6.4 per cent.