While Manitoba has not been immune to the global slowdown there have been some encouraging economic trends in recent months

Over the past five months there has been job growth totalling 9,400, according to the latest Statistics Canada labour force report. 

There was a noticeable jump in the labour force. The unemployment rate of 5.6 per cent is the second lowest in the country.

Over the longer term, Manitoba’s performance has been steady. Since the beginning of the economic downturn, increases in the labour force, total employment, full-time jobs and private-sector jobs have far exceeded Canada’s growth. Statistics Canada shows Manitoba as one of the best provincial labour-market performers since the economic slowdown began.

To put things in perspective the unemployment rate at the national level edged up to eight per cent.

The trend over the last 12 months has also been encouraging. Manitoba’s labour force and employment has grown by 14,800 (2.3 per cent) and 12,700 (2.1 per cent) respectively.

Since the economic downturn began in October 2008, Manitoba’s employment growth of 2.1 per cent far exceeds the national change of -0.1 per cent. This is the second best in the country.

Our labour force has grown by 3.6 per cent, which is the best in the country, and double the 1.8 per cent increase at the national level. 

Full-time employment is up 0.3 per cent the best in Canada while Canada has lost 1.9 per cent of its full-time jobs. 

Private-sector growth is 2.6 per cent the second best in Canada while there has been -0.4 per cent for Canada.

There is still much more to be done to improve employment here in Manitoba. Education and training is especially important here in Northern Manitoba.

The trends are encouraging. They show that our diverse economy and balanced economic strategy are making a difference.

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