P.E.I. added 1,000 jobs in July

The unemployment rate across Canada was little changed in July increasing by 0.2 per cent to 5.7 per cent, but Prince Edward Island added jobs, according to a report from Statistics Canada.

Employment on P.E.I.increased by an estimated 1,000 jobs in Julyand the provincial unemployment rate fell by 0.9 per centto 8.4 per cent.

Compared to the same time last year, employment in the province grew by 2,200 jobs, an increase of 2.9 per cent.

UPEI economics Prof. Jim Sentance says P.E.I.'s unemployment numbers are supposed to be seasonally adjusted notingIsland numbers are from a relatively small sample and there's a lot of variance in the numbers.

"That being said, I think this is a continuation of the relatively strong performance we've seen from the Island's economy over the past few years. Certainly the year-over-year numbers are easily statistically significant," Sentance said in an email to CBC.

He saidyear over year, public administration, health and social services, business and building services, construction and agriculture are where the bulk of the added jobs are.

"One notable number is that youth unemployment (ages 15 to 24) is down to 8.7 per cent, lower than for prime-age males,and one of the lowest rates in the country," Sentance said in the email.

Canada-wide, July 2019 compared with July 2018, employment was up by 353,000 jobs or 1.9 per cent.

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