Unemployment climbed across Southwestern Ontario in March, with Norfolk County’s jobless rate rising to 6.4%, according to unadjusted data.
Meanwhile, the Brantford-Brant region saw its unemployment rate increase to 6.1%, up from 5.3% in February, according to seasonally adjusted figures from Statistics Canada.
That’s according to the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.
Approximately 800 additional residents in Brantford-Brant were unemployed last month, a reflection of broader trends.
Employment across Canada dropped by 33,000, pushing the national unemployment rate to 6.7%. Ontario alone lost 28,000 jobs, with the provincial unemployment rate climbing to 7.5%.
Labour market analysts cite rising interest rates, economic uncertainty, and shifting consumer demand as potential contributors to the employment dip. These latest figures underscore the importance of ongoing job creation and support programs throughout the region.