N.B. Adds 4,100 Jobs, Unemployment Drops To 8.5 Percent
The latest Labour Force Survey released by Statistics Canada indicated a positive month for New Brunswick’s job force, especially when compared to its provincial counterparts.
In the data that monitored the labour market conditions from April 11th to 17th, New Brunswick was up about 4,100 jobs as the unemployment rate fell from 9.2 percent down to 8.5 percent.
The province’s northwest region was the only area to experience tighter pandemic restrictions during April.
The Moncton region’s unemployment rate fell from 9.6 percent to 8.8 percent, as it added 2,100 jobs.
The Saint John area unemployment rate fell more than a percentage point, from 10.9 percent to 9.7 percent, adding 500 jobs.
Meanwhile, several of Canada’s largest markets felt the effects of the pandemic’s third wave, resulting in a loss of 207,000 jobs across the country. The unemployment rate climbed from 7.5 percent to 8.1 percent.
The industries most affected were those that are directly impacted by health restrictions, including retail trade, accommodation and food services and information, culture and recreation.
The third wave of the pandemic has continued to force Canadians to work from home. According to Statistics Canada, 100,000 more people in April joined the ranks of remote workers who spend at least half of their workday at home offices.
There are currently 5.1 million Canadians working remotely. Of this number 3.1 million are new to working from home since the pandemic.
Robert Lothian is a reporter with 91.9 The Bend in Moncton, a Huddle content partner.
With files from Huddle reporters.