The unemployment situation in our region is dire.
That’s according to the Executive Director for the Four County Labour Market Planning Board after the unemployment rate in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region fell to 2.3 per cent in October.
It’s the lowest rate in Ontario and it hasn’t fallen this far since 2006.
Dana Soucie says it’s a trend that doesn’t seem to be going away as we have a very large shortage of workers in the area.
She says the COVID-19 pandemic played a role in the shortage with more people retiring earlier than they may have originally but it’s not the only reason.
Soucie says a lack of affordable housing and limited transportation options also play a role.
If the trend continues, she says we may see businesses cutting back on their operating hours and taking other action.
As for how to address the issues, Soucie says there’s not one particular answer and they need to continue to work with employers to try and find solutions.
