Local jobless rate holds steady at 7%

MEDIA RELEASE (October 15, 2024) – Brantford-Brant’s jobless rate stood unchanged at 7% last month, according to Statistic Canada’s seasonally adjusted estimates, which are based on a monthly survey of area households

Across Canada, the unemployment rate dropped 0.1 percentage point to 6.5%, while in Ontario, it dropped 0.2 percentage points to 6.9%.

Some surrounding communities saw unemployment rise, while others saw it drop St Catherines-Niagara tied with Brantford for the second highest rate, below KitchenerCambridge-Waterloo (7.6%).

Locally, job losses were mostly experienced by core-aged men (i e 25 – 54 years old), working in manufacturing, construction and wholesale trade sectors.

Participation and employment amongst females did not change significantly, but many of these individuals switched from full-time to part-time work.

“Our workforce is discouraged.” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie. “Hiring has slowed, and some jobseekers are leaving the workforce because they are unable to find suitable work.”

“We are seeing many community agencies step up to support jobseekers through organizing networking events and offering skills training; SOAR Community Services and NPAAMB are hosting job fairs this week We encourage jobseekers to connect with these and other employment service providers to find out more about opportunities to develop their skills and connect with employers ”

The workforce planning board also supports the labour force by helping build training programs that are relevant to local employers.

Business owners/HR representatives are invited to identify local skills gaps affecting their workforce by completing the region’s EmployerOne survey: www.workforceplanningboard.org/e mployerone-survey

The Grand Erie Jobs online job board featured 1,750 new job postings in September, a slight decrease from the month prior. Postings remained up for a shorter period on average, but most jobs continue to take weeks to fill.

Hazardous waste collection day TODAY and November 16th

The County of Brant has partnered with the City of Brantford to offer more Household Hazardous Waste days throughout the year This partnership will replace the one-day annual event that was previously held in the County.

Dispose of materials like paint, solvents, used oils, batteries, and fluorescent light bulbs safely and responsibly Join us at the Mohawk Street Landfill on the following dates:

October 19th and November 16th from 8 am to 4 pm.

This partnership will be reviewed annually, and if it continues to benefit both municipalities, County residents will have access to 8 Household Hazardous Waste events in the following years

For more info on acceptable materials and additional drop-off programs, visit brant.ca/HazardousWaste

Helen Williams (McMurray) 1939-2024

Peacefully, at Telfer Place, Paris, on Wednesday October 9, 2024, formerly of Brantford, in her 86th year

Beloved wife to the late Ken (1994); loved mom to Darrin (Kathryn), Jeff (Tammy) and the late Kathryn (2010); cherished grandma to Brendan, Jared, Lauren, Vanessa, Shandi, Emma-Lee, Cheyenne, and Tanner She is the last surviving member of her family.

Cremation has taken place A graveside will be held at Paris Cemetery.

Donations to SPCA or Canadian Mental Health Association would be appreciated.

Online condolences and donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting Wm Kipp 519 442 3061