[Biff]

Not specifically for Winnipeg but i was not sure where else to put it.


Manitoba News Release
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June 8, 2007

MANITOBA ECONOMY
CONTINUES ITS STRONG GROWTH IN 2007
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Labour Force Growth Leads the Nation; Total, Private and Full-time Job Growth Second Best in Canada: Selinger

Finance Minister Greg Selinger said today that Manitoba's economy continues its strong growth in 2007 including strong labour force growth, total job growth, private sector job growth and full-time job growth, according to the latest Statistics Canada survey.

"We continue to be encouraged by the impressive start to 2007," said Selinger. "This month, Manitoba's labour force leads the nation while our province ranks second in total job, private job and full-time job growth."

In May, Manitoba's labour force growth lead the nation with an increase of 5,700 people. Manitoba also ranked second best in the country with 2,700 total new jobs created in May, 1,600 in the private sector and 3,200 full-time jobs.

The minister noted that with this month's increases, the overall participation rate reached a record- high 70 per cent according to the Statistics Canada figures.

Since the start of the year, Manitoba's labour force grew by 15,300 people, while Manitoba's economy created 7,800 new jobs, 4,000 of which were in private sector. All of these indicators are above the national average.

The manufacturing sector also continues to do well with an increase of 4,200 jobs (6.4 per cent) over the past year, while the rest of Canada saw a decrease of 3.7 per cent.

"Since the start of 2007, Manitoba's job numbers have been above the national average in many categories and we expect the economy to do well for the rest of the year," said Selinger. "We are pleased that our manufacturing jobs continue to outperform, despite the high Canadian dollar.