‘Alarming’: Brantford-Brant’s Jobless Rate Reaches 9.9%, Highest in Ontario
Brantford-Brant is facing an alarming situation as its unemployment rate for October climbed to 9.9 per cent — the highest in Ontario and the highest figure since the pandemic. The rate rose by 0.2 per cent compared to September, according to Statistics Canada’s seasonally adjusted three‑month moving average.
“It’s been alarming to see so many of our residents – our friends and neighbours – become unemployed,” said Danette Dalton, executive director of the Workforce Planning Board of Grand Erie.
Dalton explained that approximately 9,800 residents are currently unemployed, and the jobless level closely mirrors that of summer 2020, when the COVID‑19 pandemic triggered widespread job losses. She emphasized that the community will need significant support, including mental health resources, as the holiday season approaches.
“The stresses on unemployed people and their families will likely increase. It’s a time to be generous in whatever way we can.”
While unemployment fell elsewhere in Ontario to 7.6 per cent and nationally to 6.9 per cent, the majority of the 55,000 new jobs created across Canada were in Ontario. Dalton suggested that localized job gains may be masking the true scale of unemployment in Brantford‑Brant.
Author’s Summary
Brantford‑Brant faces mounting economic and social strain as its unemployment rate climbs to a post-pandemic high, prompting calls for community support and compassion.