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       Sudbury Labour Market Information Newsletter - June 1997 Prepared By Marilyn Prus, Unemployment Statistics:
Highlights of the June 1997 Release
Employment and unemployment in the Sudbury CMA remained unchanged from the previous month. The number of individuals returning to the labour market rose by 1,000, causing the labour force to expand to 86,000. The area’s participation rate--a measure of labour market attachment--increased as a result, rising marginally to 60.7 percent from 60.2 percent in May. The jobless rate fell slightly to 9 percent, from 9.1 percent a month ago. The number of individuals outside the labour market remained steady at 56,000. (prepared by the Ontario Regional Economist - Northern Ontario Office) The number of people in receipt of Employment Insurance benefits in the region increased slightly over last year. Changes in E.I legislation has resulted in fewer claims in most regions of the country. It appears that the increase in activity in this area is as a result of the labour dispute between INCO and the United Steelworkers of America, a strike which directly affected 4,500 workers. However the increase in claims was an indirect offshoot of the strike, as striking workers are not normally eligible for Employment Insurance benefits. As of June 29, 1997, there were a total of 7,054 active regular claims. (Regular claims are those claims that were established as a result of work shortages or where the claimant left employment for justifiable reasons). The total number of regular claims as of June 29, 1996, was 6,954 ( an increase of 100 claims). Included in the above figures are the number of regular claims in the Espanola area which also experienced a slight increase in the number of claims. On June 29, 1997 there were 985 active regular claims in Espanola, while the figures for June 29, 1996 stood at 961 (an increase of 24 active regular claims). (Established Claims Analysis) Bits and Pieces: Good news for the economy - The Canadian Economy is on a roll. Statistics Canada reported that the gross domestic product rose 0.8% in the first quarter from the fourth quarter of 1996. If this pace continues, an annualized rate of 3.4% will be realized this year. Experts have been predicting a growth rate of approximately 3%. Real estate booming - Although real estate sales have boomed this year (436 homes were sold in the first quarter and sales are expected to reach 2,000 by year end), new home construction has been in a slump. While sales have been strong, primarily due to low interest rates, the average price of a single family dwelling has remained low ($105,000) due to the fact that there are over 2,000 homes listed on the market. As long as the supply remains high, prices will remain low. Competition in the grocery business - Sales in the grocery industry dropped for the first time in nearly half a century. The decline did not mean that Canadians ate less food, but rather that there is a shift in how and where they shop. Pharmacies, mass merchandisers as well as membership or warehouse clubs are all making an impact. The challenge for the major grocery chains will be in how to keep or attract families who may otherwise spend some of their food dollars elsewhere. Hospital restructuring - The amalgamation of Laurentian , Sudbury General and Sudbury Memorial Hospitals is moving ahead. A job opening for a chief of staff was posted and is expected to be hired by the board in July. It is also expected that the Sudbury Regional Hospital will be incorporated shortly. Manitoulin developement on hold - rIn last month’s news bulletin, I reported that a proposal was in the works to develop waterfront property in Gore Bay by Timberstone Homes. The development was to include single and semi-detached retirement homes. A petition has been circulated throughout the community in an effort to halt the development sighting several reasons including disruption of waterlife on the lake. Teachers to retire - Statistics Canada analyst Alain Tremblay reported that although a "massive wave" of aging Canadian teachers will retire in the next few years, universities are churning out so many new ones that an over-supply will continue. Between now and 2015, it is anticipated that approximately 211,000 out of 347,000 will retire. More job vacancies reported - Statistics Canada reported that Canada’s help wanted index rose 4% in May, the eighth consecutive rise. Increases in the index are usually followed by drops in the unemployment rate. Since October, 1996, the index has increased 20 %. More jobs, more job seekers - Statistics Canada reported that approximately 61,000 jobs were created in May, pushing employment gains to 156,000 jobs since February. However the new jobs had little effect on reducing the unemployment rate. The reason .... previously discouraged workers were lured back to the labour market by the buoyancy of the economy. In other words... over the last two months , for every four new jobs created, five more people have stepped forward looking for work. Funding for Sudbury hospital restructuring - Ontario Health Minister Jim Wilson announced $70 million in funding for hospital restructuring in Sudbury. The health minister stated that the closing and merging of hospitals in Sudbury and other communities will translate into better care. People retiring earlier than ever - According to Statistics Canada, the median age for retirement is now just over 62, 2 1/2 years earlier than 15 years ago. Many people are retiring early as early incentives are being offered. The reason... to escape the long hours and added stress that is the result of downsizing. The luck of the draw - This year, students being hired by any of the municipal governments were selected by a random draw. The city hired 140 students (1,000 applied), while the region hired 80 students (800 applied). Mining: INCO strike settled - The 26-day strike of 4,800 workers ended on Saturday, June 28,1997. This is the first time that INCO workers have been in a strike situation in 15 years. Although experts have been predicting a long strike, a mediator managed to get the company and union back to the negotiating tables. The month long strike has had a devastating effect on our community, and if the experts are correct in their assessment that the community looses approximately $1 million for every day the workers are on strike..... well you do the math... Wage increases, pensions and vacation time were the major issues and union president Dave Campbell stated it was a good contract. The end of the strike is good news for the entire community. Falconbridge heading for strike - The Sudbury business community may breath a sigh of relieve at the ending of the INCO strike but a deal is yet to be struck between Falconbridge Mine an their unionized workforce. August 1 st. is the deadline set for a possible strike by CAW/Mine Mill union. Traditionally, Falconbridge miners have expected their union to negotiate a contract comparable to their INCO colleagues. Voisey’s Bay delayed - Although INCO expected to begin construction at Voisey’s Bay this summer, delays in negotiations with native groups in Labrador have hindered the process. The Newfoundland government and two native groups have not as yet eached an agreement on land claims. Construction: Compost site schedulded for region - The Region of Sudbury plans to start construction this fall on a leaf and yard waste compost site. Under new provincial government regulations, all cities with populations in excess of 50,000 must build a compost facility. The tender is yet to be awarded so the final price tag for the construction of the facility remains unknown. The site chosen for the compost site is near where the weigh scales are currently located, said Nickel Centre Mayor Stan Hayduk. New golf course for Sudbury - The Greywolf Golf Club is currently under construction on Maley Drive and is expected to be operational by July 1998. The cost of the 18-hole club will be slightly under $4 million. It is anticipated that the high calibre of the course will attract many golfers from outside the area. Dollars for local roads - The province has allocated $2.5 million for reconstruction along Highway 80 to Elmview Drive in the Sudbury region. Island condos - Little Current council has approved the construction of 14 condominiums on the Water Street/Park Street property that has remained undeveloped for a number of years. Construction is expected to begin mid-June. Lay-Offs and Re-engineering: How many will get pink slips? - Union leaders have criticized officials involved in the hospital restructuring process for their failure in providing a clear projection on pending job losses. Predictions have ranged from 300 to 750 lost jobs. The health minister advised that $2 billion has been set aside by the province to deal with the downsizing that will e necessary in the restructuring process. The money is expected to be spent on retraining, education or transition programs for those people affected by the restructuring. Fewer hospital jobs will exist after the restructuring is complete, however significantly-increased community services are expected as health care in Canada is a growing industry stated the minister. On the Down Side: Human resources sets up temporary office - During the first few days of the INCO strike in Sudbury, hundreds of workers filed for employment insurance benefits. Between 1,000 to 4,000 workers could possibly apply as the domino effect ripples through the economy. Human Resources set up a temporary office to take Employment Insurance claims for people affected by the strike. A full spectrum of people in various occupations applied including waitresses, hairdresser and contract miners. Possible strike for library workers - On July 3, 1997, 34 full-time and 25 part-time library workers could be in a strike position. The workers have been without a contract since April 1, 1996. Money is no longer the issue. Contract talks have stalled over the issue of job security. Established business to close - Off the Record, a 15 year old business will be closing it’s doors by the end of July due to lack of customers. Kmart future uncertain in Sudbury - With the sale of Kmart stores this month , the fate of Sudbury’s two locations remain uncertain. The Kmart store in the Supermall employs 103 full-time and part-time workers, while the Southridge Mall location employs 96 staff. And yet another possible strike - Contract talks between the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store union and the operators of 5 Your Independent grocer stores (including 3 Sudbury stores) have broken down. The union will be in a strike position by mid-July. Wage demands are the major issue. On the Bright Side: Cruise ship to dock in Little Current - Beginning in mid-June, a new cruise ship, the Georgian Clipper will make Little Current it’s most northerly port of call. The weekly cruise schedule will see the ship leave Penetang and dock in Little Current only to begin the trek back to it’s original port. Tasty treats - Because of a deal struck between Loeb’s and Vitto Brand Foods of Sudbury, the local sausage manufacturing company will be producing 14 specialty brand sausages to be distributed to Loeb outlets in Ontario and Quebec. As a result, 25 part-time production positions have been added. Plans are in the works to add an additional 4 full-time production positions and two sales positions. Learning lab for Sudbury - The Ministry of Education and Training has announced that Sudbury will become a site for one of the two new Learning and Training Technology Labs being created under Contact North. Contact North’s systems are in use at all Northern Ontario post-secondary institutions to allow students in far reaches of the province access to the same level of educational resources that are available in urban centres. Video conferencing technology as well as the Intranet are used to link teachers and students for simultaneous "virtual classroom" learning. Funding for detox centre on the island - A detox centre to be located next to the Manitoulin Health Centre in Little Current may soon be a reality. A house owned by the health centre has been donated to the soon-to-be detox centre. Approval was given to the house by the Ministry of Health and The Agora Group (a government agency) has recommended $150,000 from restructuring, go to the project. Internet service provider expands to island - Cyberbeach, an 18 month old Sudbury-based service provider to the Internet , is going on-line in Espanola. Those interested in surfing through Cyberbeach can pick up their software packages at the office of the Mid-North Monitor in Espanola. 1997 strike not as bad as 1982 - If there is a bright side to the INCO/Steelworkers labour dispute it is this: less than 10% of the labour force was affected by the strike. Rick Lymer, the district economist, concluded that although this strike has had a serious affect on the local economy, it has not been devastating. The strike of 1982 was considerably more devastating, but the diversification of the Sudbury economy over the past decade has lessened the impact. College Boreal, the Ontario Geological Survey, the Ontario Ministry of Northern development and Mines, the Ministry of Labour’s mining health and safety branch, Science North, and the Northeastern Ontario Cancer Treatment Centre were established in Sudbury since the 1982 strike. As well, both Cambrian College and Laurentian University have expanded. Help for new businesses in the area - Sudbury’s Regional Business Centre helped in the creation of 52 new businesses in the first 5 months of 1997. The businesses created 58 full-time and 26 part-time jobs. Since the centre opened in October, 12995, it has assisted in the creation of 141 new businesses involving 181 full-time and 92 part-time jobs. Health care funding for island - Manitoulin first nations are to receive $1.5 million in health care funding from the provincial government. the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) communities are to receive $763,572 to assist about 200 frail seniors and people with disabilities while the Wikwemikong Unceded First Nation is to get $733,936 for approximately 734 seniors on the reserve. New Businesses and Expansions: A new major and small appliance store called Jake’s is scheduled to open in Mindemoya June 23, 1997. One section of the store will have appliances such as getto blasters ands TV’s set up so that customers can try them out. The province is expected to announce the selected sights for a permanent casino in August. Don Ohlgren has applied to. Shelly Fisher, a former WCB adjudicator plans on opening a branch of her Pembroke-based consulting firm, Fisher and Associates in Sudbury in the near future. The business is aimed at assisting injured workers appeal rejected WCB claims. Money in Motion, a leasing/financing broker that caters to small businesses has opened an office in Sudbury at 2158 Armstrong St. Operating as a funding partner with AT&T Canada, the company promotes leasing as a way of keeping monthly costs down and allowing the newly formed business to re-invest money back into the business. Klutzy the Klown has opened a shop on Lorne Street, next to Dairy Queen. Twenty students were hired to work at fundraisers, deliver clown-a-grams and entertain at various parties or events. Country Bagel has opened in the Montrose Mall on Lasalle Blvd. (old Tim Horton’s location). A new dairy bar, Dockside Dairy Bar, opened in Little Current this month beside the waterfront. Four jobs for local students were created with the dairy bar’s opening. Sidney’s, a deli/restaurant and bar is expected to open in Onaping Falls soon. E&S Office Equipment on the Kingsway is expanding their workforce by adding 6 computer teachers starting this summer. Highlights From HRC C Sudbury: Last month, 106 Human Resource Centres of Canada, including one in Sudbury and one in Espanola opened their doors to assist students in securing jobs for the summer months. The centre in Espanola is located in the Espanola Mall, 200 centre St. Suite 200 and in Sudbury at 19 Lisgar Street ( the Federal Building). The Sudbury Human Resources Centre through the Job Creation Partnerships program has funded Lacloche Manitoulin Business Assistance Corporation to administer the Self-Employment Assistance component. The $21,600 will enable Lacloche to train small business operators to develop business plans, to learn innovative problem solving techniques, communicate effectively with staff, customers and colleagues as well as set up an acceptable bookkeeping system. The aim of the project is to help diversify the economy and assist in the creation of long term employment. June 16 was Hire a Student Week and the student office was busy promoting students for all jobs.. big or small! Remember, students are still available for all types of work this summer. To hire a student, call the Human Resource Centre for Students @ 670-6506 (Sudbury) and 869-7030 (Espanola). On Thursday June 19,1997, job banks were unveiled in Capreol, Garson, Coniston, Azilda and Val Caron, completing a network of 31 banks throughout the Sudbury and Manitoulin regions. Job seekers no longer have to travel to Sudbury or Espanola to get information on job postings in our area, Ontario or across the nation. Information is also available on Employment Insurance, Canada Pension and Old Age Security. Human Resource Centre for Students Report by Lee Tremblay, Student Office.Supervisor This month has been very eventful for the HRC-S of Sudbury. Firstly, six of us started off the month by attending the "After Hour" social, sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. We grouped together for our plan of attack in the attempt to gain job orders through our mingling. Within the first half hour a job order was taken. This of course set the mood and we continued our evening with the success story in mind. The aftermath of our evening was felt the following morning when a few job orders came in. The office was on a mega high. The mood helped us all in planning the next two big events on our agenda; a booth at the Blues for Food Festival, and Hire a Student Week. One of the Student Employment Officers was ingenious in acquiring a door prize (dinner for two from East Side Mario’s) at the south end of town. This attraction helped to gain the attention of many passers-by, resulting in that needed social contact to promote our services. The day was a great success, and again more job orders came in on Monday morning. We then worked on an advertising idea that I had...ndesigning a bookmark. With the diversity of talents throughout the office, we came up with a fantastic bookmark that proved both eye-catching and useful. These bookmarks served as our advertising at the Yuk Yuk’s comedy club. The owner began promoting our services one week prior to Hire a Student week (HAS), and he reached over 600 possible employers for us. Next, we prepared for HAS week. To launch the week we appeared on MCTV with Tamara during her walk about for the local weather. Included in the television appearance was the opportunity to send out a message to all employers of our existence and the importance of hiring a student. In addition, the background of the television appearance was filled with our innovative mural painted on the windows of the Post-Office and several Student Placement Officers busy at work completing the mural. Community Corner The Sudbury Action Centre for Youth would like to take this opportunity to introduce our community to their unique Employment Program Funded through HRDC, the aim of the program is to assist unempoloyed people who are at risk of becoming long term dependents of social assistance. There are three main components to the program:
If you are interested in hiring a casual worker, or would like more information about the program above, please contact: Mike Hickey Employment Coordinator The Sudbury action Centre for youth 11 Fir Lane Sudbury, Ontario P3c 1Z5 Telephone : (705) 673-4396 Fax: (705) 673-0798 Editor’s Notes The above excerpts have been taken from the following newspapers:
Your comments and suggestions are always welcome! The Labour Market Information Unit is only one source of labour market information in our community. Any labour market information that you would like to share with your community partners would be a welcome addition to our news bulletin. Contributions to the "Community Corner" are always welcome. I can be reached at: (705) 670-6674 (phone) or (705) 670-6727 (fax). Yours in Partnership, Marilyn Prus Copyright © 1998
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