Sault unemployment rises past federal, provincial rates
Sault Ste. Marie's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic looks to be a little slower than other communities.
New statistics from the Algoma Workforce Investment Corporation show the city's unemployment rate at 9.3 per cent through September, an increase from 8.1 per cent in August.
"That is a little higher than the national and provincial averages right now," said Jonathan Coulman, executive director. "We're seeing the slightly higher levels of unemployment, but at the same time, we're also seeing an increase in job postings."
Coulman said the data used to calculate the unemployment rate goes back three months, which would've included jobs and industries affected by the provincial shutdown.
Looking to the future, Coulman said an increase in job postings should lower the number.
"Retail has already started to post new positions as it gears up for the Holidays," Coulman said. "It looks as if recovery is already starting to happen in that respect."
One of the issues that's mostly impacted the retail and hospitality sectors is an ongoing labour shortage, seen in other communities across the country.
At Ernie's Coffee Shop, job retention hasn't been difficult for its owners, but finding quality applicants certainly has been.
"It's a needle in a haystack situation," said John Armstrong, owner of Ernie's Coffee Shop. "I guess the benefit is that you don't have to sort through as many people, but the pool of talent in Sault Ste. Marie is incredibly small right now."
Armstrong said he's more than willing to incentivize quality applicants with higher wages and other bonuses, but is struggling to find people willing to do the job.
He said he's also interested in hiring young and eager workers who he can train.
"I would take on anyone right now," Armstrong said. "It's almost more enjoyable to teach someone as opposed to, you know, what's that classic saying, can't teach a dog new tricks."
Coulman said more business owners are turning to similar means as Ernie's Coffee Shop, with a willingness to incentivize future applicants.
"They're getting creative, for sure," he said. "But at the end of the day, these are sophisticated companies that will know how to do what's best."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Minister 'outraged' after AFN national chief's headdress taken from Air Canada cabin
The federal minister of Crown-Indigenous relations is calling on Air Canada to 'make things right' with the national chief of the Assembly of First Nations, who said her headdress was removed from an airplane cabin during a flight this week.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
'Violation': CSIS had officer investigated after she reported a superior raped her
A CSIS officer's allegations that she was raped repeatedly by a superior in agency vehicles set off a harassment inquiry, but also triggered an investigation into her that concluded the alleged attacks were a “misuse” of agency vehicles by the woman.
'Too young to have breast cancer': Rates among young Canadian women rising
Breast cancer rates are rising in Canada among women in their 20s, 30s and 40s, according to research by the University of Ottawa (uOttawa).
'I was scared': Ontario man's car repossessed after missing two repair loan payments
An Ontario man who took out a loan to pay for auto repairs said his car was repossessed after he missed two payments.
Canada recognizes housing as a human right. Few provinces have followed suit
As more Canadians find themselves struggling to afford or find housing, the country's smallest province is the only one that can point to legislation recognizing housing as a human right.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
What to know about avian influenza in dairy cows and the risk to humans
Why is H5N1, or bird flu, a concern, how does it spread, and is there a vaccine? Here are the answers to some frequently asked questions about avian influenza.