Grey-Bruce Region Ends 2025 with Unemployment at 4 Percent

The unemployment rate for the Grey-Bruce region concluded 2025 at 4 percent, reflecting a slight increase of one-tenth of a percentage point. This rise occurred despite the addition of 2,600 jobs in December, driven mainly by a growth in part-time positions, which saw an increase of 2,700 jobs. In contrast, full-time employment experienced a decline, with 100 positions lost during the same month.

The provincial unemployment rate for Ontario rose by 0.2 percent, reaching 7 percent in December. According to the Four County Labour Market Planning Board, the population aged 15 and older in the Stratford-Bruce Peninsula Economic Region increased by 200 individuals. Furthermore, the labour force expanded by 3,000 people, resulting in a reduction of 2,800 individuals who were not in the labour force. This change elevated the region’s participation rate to 62.8 percent, marking its highest level in 2025.

Sector Performance Highlights

Dana Soucie, Executive Director of the Four County Labour Market Planning Board, emphasized the positive trends in the region. “We continue to see positive signs for our region with the increase in participation rates for those employed or seeking employment and the decrease of those not in the labour force,” she stated in a news release.

The goods-producing sector reported a 2.1 percent increase, attributed to 1,400 more workers entering the field. Agriculture led this growth with an addition of 1,200 positions, followed by utilities and construction, both gaining 800 jobs. Conversely, manufacturing faced challenges, experiencing a decrease of 1,400 positions.

In the services-producing sector, the employment landscape was more encouraging, with an increase of 1,200 jobs overall. This sector saw significant growth in areas such as health care and social assistance, which added 1,300 positions, and other services (excluding public administration), which gained 1,400 jobs. Educational services saw an increase of 600 workers, while finance, insurance, real estate, and rental and leasing added 300 positions.

On the downside, several sectors reported job losses. Professional, scientific, and technical services saw a reduction of 1,200 workers, while public administration was down by 700 positions. The information, culture, and recreation sector experienced a decline of 500 jobs, and transportation and warehousing faced a loss of 200 positions.

Future Outlook and Community Engagement

As the year closes, the Four County Labour Market Planning Board is set to review the annual changes and trends within the local economy. The organization plans to release its 2025 Local Labour Market Plan next month. A virtual public consultation session is scheduled for January 13, 2026, aimed at exploring these trends and offering community members an opportunity to engage with the findings.

Details regarding the Local Labour Market Plan virtual session, including registration information, are available through the planning board’s official channels. This initiative highlights the board’s commitment to fostering community involvement and transparency in addressing local economic challenges.