Manitoba Labour Market Bulletin

September 2011

Manitoba Labour Market Bulletin – September 2011 (PDF version, 115 kb)

The Labour Market Bulletin is produced monthly by economists and labour market analysts employed by Service Canada in the Western Canada and Territories Region.

Content is intended for personal and public non-commercial use.

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Editor, Labour Market Bulletin
Service Canada–Western Canada and Territories Region
Labour Market Information Services
Western Canada and Territories Region
Service Canada
266 Graham Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 0K3

Province-wide

Job growth slower then expected: Job creation in Manitoba over the last year was slower than the national rate. Manitoba's economy created only 1,000 jobs year-over-year in July. This marks an increase of only 0.2%, well below the national rate of 1.5%. Although not very positive, the full-time to part-time comparison offers some good news. In the past 12 months, full-time employment increased by 11,000 jobs, while part-time employment decreased by 10,000. Key Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Survey, August 5, 2011.

Mixed news for Manitoba’s manufacturers: The recent stock market instability is unsettling the already-nervous manufacturing industry. Many manufacturers are expecting to hold off on major expenditures until the U.S. recovery gets back on track. In the meantime, the Canadian dollar is trading closer to parity than it has in months. This could result in increased U.S. demand for some manufactured goods. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 10, 2011.

Manitoba’s retail sector flourishing: Manitoba’s retail sector is well positioned in the event of a global, double-dip recession. Indeed, industry officials indicate that the retail sector in Manitoba improved during the last recession. In the meantime, retailers in Manitoba continue to expand, resulting in continued historically-low commercial vacancy rates. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 15, 2011.

Apiary industry facing challenges: To date, Manitoba has avoided colony collapse disorder, a phenomenon linking the loss of bee populations worldwide. However, the province's $20 million apiary industry is experiencing one of its most difficult years in recent history. Apiarists in Manitoba typically endure between 15% and 20% die-off over winter. The average this winter was 34%, with apiarists in some areas suffering 100% die-off. Coming off a poor growing season and facing potentially lower yields this year, many producers will need fewer workers through the harvest. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 24, 2011.

Weather continues to plague farmers: Manitoba farmers are continuing to face adverse growing conditions. Producers began the growing season tormented by high water tables and overland flooding. Now, they are facing droughts and hail storms. With fall approaching, yields will be low for a second year in a row and will affect producers through 2012. With fewer fields producing crops suitable for re-planting as winter approaches, wheat farmers can expect smaller yields next year when those crops mature. This could result in fewer jobs during this year's and next year's harvest; normally, the harvest work force is about 9,185. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 25, 2011.

Winnipeg

Correctional centre almost complete: Construction of a new women’s correctional centre, located just north of Headingley Correctional Centre, is nearing completion. The new $80 million facility replaces the 118-year-old jail for women located in Portage la Prairie. Manitoba Justice will train about 140 staff members before inmates are accepted at the jail early next year. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 8, 2011.

New restaurants downtown: Seven new restaurants are opening near the University of Winnipeg, which will provide numerous employment opportunities in the hospitality sector. These establishments include: Stella’s Café and Bakery, Elements – The Restaurant, Garbonzo Pizza Pub, Starbucks, as well as three fast-food restaurants. Elements – The Restaurant, run by Diversity Foods Services, will be staffed mainly by Aboriginal people and new immigrants. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 17, 2011.

Condo conversion: B & M Land Co. plans to convert the Terra Commons rental complex into condominiums. A total of 340 rental units will be converted into condos over the course of the next 18 months. This means that there will be even fewer rental units available in an already tight rental market. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s latest rental market survey, Winnipeg has an average apartment vacancy rate of only 0.7%. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 24, 2011.

Restaurant employees laid off: The Lobby on York restaurant has closed while apartments are being renovated on the floor above. As a result, 15 restaurant employees were given temporary layoff notices. Timbercreek Asset Management, the building owner, expects the eatery to re-open in late October or early November. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 26, 2011.

Northern Manitoba

Flin Flon – Extra Foods closing: Loblaws announced the closure of its Extra Foods location in Flin Flon, effective October 15, 2011. The closure will result in the loss of 45 jobs, including 17 full-time positions. The decision will have a negative economic impact on the community, as the store is one of Flin Flon’s largest employers. Key Source: Flin Flon Reminder: August 5 and 8, 2011.

Gillam – Keeyask project moving ahead: Manitoba Hydro is moving ahead with plans to develop the Keeyask hydro dam. It will be built in partnership with the Tataskweyak Cree Nation, York Factory, War Lake and Fox Lake First Nations. Work on infrastructure, including upgrades to Provincial Road 280, will continue until 2014. There will be up to 150 workers on site during peak times of the construction phase. Key Source: Thompson Citizen, August 17, 2011.

Nickel mine under development: Victory Nickel Inc. plans to develop a massive new $500 million open-pit nickel mine north of Grand Rapids. The company has met all regulatory requirements and is now raising the necessary funds to build the mine. Construction of the mine will require about 600 people, while an additional 400 employees will be needed once the mine is in operation. Key Source: Winnipeg Free Press, August 25, 2011.

Southern Manitoba

Shortage of daycare spaces in Melita: Seventeen childcare spaces will be lost when County Kids Centres 1 & 2 close their doors on September 3rd, creating a shortage of daycare spaces in Melita. Construction of the new Melita Early Learning Centre is underway; however, it is not expected to open until January 2012. The new daycare will provide space for 4 infants and 16 toddlers. Despite this, the Centre is finding it difficult to recruit four Early Childhood Educators to work at the facility. Key Source: Melita New Era, August 12, 2011.

New student residence building to open soon: Southport Aerospace Centre, a not-for-profit property management and development company, announced the completion of its new student residence near Portage la Prairie. The new accommodation is expected to alleviate the demand for residency space and attract more students to the military flight training program. Key Source: Central Plains Herald-Leader, August 15, 2011.

St. Leon Wind Farm Expansion: Algonquin Power and Utilities Corporation will add 10 new wind turbines to the St. Leon wind energy project. The $29.5 million expansion is expected to start early this fall and will create a wide range of construction jobs before completion in the first quarter of 2012. Key Source: The Western Canadian, August 16, 2011.

Nursing Shortage: Central Regional Health Authority (RHA) reports that it has about 40 vacant nursing positions. The organization is experiencing high turnover among new graduate nurses, and recently created a Nurse Development Retention Officer position to help mentor new nurses. Training opportunities will also increase with Bachelor of Nursing programs now being offered by Red River College in the communities of Portage la Prairie and Winkler. Key Source: Carman Valley Leader, August 22, 2011.

New grocery store for Boissevain: On August 16th, the old Boissevain Recorder office, Clip N Curl hair salon and Boissevain Laundromat buildings were demolished to make room for a new $4 million Co-op Grocery store. Construction of the 15,100 square foot store will begin next April, creating jobs in the framing, electrical, plumbing, painting, dry walling and paving industries. Key Source: The Boissevain Recorder, August 29, 2011.

Selkirk Area

Nil Report.