Local experts, business owners shed light on Windsor unemployment survey results
Windsor’s unemployment rate rose a half per cent in November, according to the Statistics Canada labour force survey.
That gives the Rose City the highest percentage of unemployment across the country.
June Muir, CEO of the UHC Hub of Opportunities, points to two factors that could have contributed to the half-percent rise in unemployment in Windsor last month.
“Our job developer Andrea said that most employers are only looking for part-time workers,” she said.
Muir added that another factor is current lay offs at Stellantis.
“I don't know if those numbers count and then of course there's a lot of spin off jobs that are affected by that,” Muir said.
The half percent rise is surprising for a mother of a Tecumseh, Ont. business owner.
“My daughter has a new business in Tecumseh. It's a vegan restaurant called Copper Branch. She's been advertising for people and she's not getting anybody coming in looking for jobs,” explained Sue Furtado.
Muir said barriers, including transportation, language and child care, could also be playing into the high unemployment rate.
The labour force survey shows Windsor's unemployment rate at 7.6 per cent, which tops in Canada ahead of St. Catharine's-Niagara and Oshawa at 7.3 percent.
Muir however is optimistic the region won't be at the top of the list for long with the battery plant and supply chain jobs coming to the region.
“I think our future we're gonna see more jobs that are full-time decent playing jobs,” she said.
Entrepreneurs like Alex Merryfield hope to contribute to the rise of region's economy.
His waffle truck was at the 20th anniversary celebration of Savvy Boutique where Merryfield said he'd like to expand his catering business.
“Absolutely, this is our first year. We've had a lot help from friends and family and hopefully in the next year I can employ a couple of people in the city,” said Merryfield.
In the meantime, Muir is hopeful people can help support those in need.
She said visits to the food bank are up 22 per cent compared to last year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Auto theft probe leads to arrest of 59 suspects, recovery of more than 300 stolen vehicles: Toronto police
Toronto police say 59 suspects are facing a total of 300 charges in connection with an auto theft and re-vinning probe.
Ont. woman posed as registered nurse in Simcoe County for 4 years: OPP
An Ontario woman is facing serious charges after police allege she pretended to be a registered nurse at several Simcoe County facilities, despite being unqualified.
B.C. mayor's 'luxury' trip to Dubai climate conference was against ethics rules: commissioner
New Westminster Mayor Patrick Johnstone's all-expenses-paid trip to Dubai for a climate conference last December violated the city's Code of Conduct for Council Members and the Community Charter, the city's ethics commissioner has ruled.
WATCH 'It's mind-boggling': Drought reveals U.S. town submerged in the 1940s
Hundreds of people are flocking to see a rare site in Pennsylvania: remnants of a historic town that is usually underwater.
Democrats Abroad Canada warns U.S. voters to take action ahead of possible Canada Post strike
Democrats Abroad Canada is warning Americans that a potential postal workers strike this weekend could affect the ability to vote in next week's election.
Caught on camera: Edmonton police run over woman during welfare call
An Edmonton Police Service officer was caught on camera running over a woman with a marked cruiser last month.
Orphaned squirrel who became social media star was euthanized after being seized from New York home
An orphaned squirrel that became a social media star called Peanut was euthanized after state authorities seized the beloved pet during a raid on his caretaker's home, authorities said Friday.
B.C. landlord who evicted longtime tenant, hiked rent and re-listed unit ordered to pay $16K
A landlord from B.C.’s Lower Mainland who evicted a longtime tenant only to rent out the same unit months later for more money has been ordered to compensate him $16,480.
Secret Service report offers new details on failures during Trump assassination attempt
A new Secret Service report into the July assassination attempt against former U.S. president Donald Trump said multiple staffers knew about clear line-of-sight risks but found them 'acceptable' and that farm equipment intended to obstruct the view from the nearby building where the gunman opened fire was never used.