New report examines community labour markets

THUNDER BAY -- Township councils and municipal decision-makers in rural areas around the region will now have the most relevant data to show what's happening in their community's labour market.

A study conducted by the North Superior Workforce Planning Board examined all 35 rural communities in this area and the data is being released each week with two communities at a time, part of Community Labour Board Market Report.

The planning board looked at the population in communities such as Gillies, O'Connor, Neebing and Conmee and compared it to the number of people currently employed.

There's also a full breakdown of which sectors provide the most local employment.

The data does not attempt to explain the reasons behind the numbers and trends, but executive director Madge Richardson said these reports will help each community make an informed decision about the future of their employment.

"So, let's say you are a parent within the community of Marathon and your son or daughter know they have to go away for post-secondary or perhaps even to find a cooperative placement while they are in high school," Richardson said.

"What it will show is what sort of businesses are growing, is your son or daughter interested in going away to school, are they going to come back to that community and what sort of skills or knowledge base would help them to be prepared in the labour market."

Richardson added the reports not only give individuals the information they need to stay competitive, but rural communities like O'Connor can look at addressing the recent decrease in the number of newcomers who have migrated to their township.