Fredericton Employers Among Most Optimistic in Canada

Fredericton  (September 21, 2009) – Employers in the Fredericton area are the most optimistic in all of Atlantic Canada and second most optimistic in all of Canada when it comes to hiring new employees in the next three months, according to the Manpower Employment Outlook Survey released earlier this month.

“This survey shows how positive the job market is in Fredericton, especially in light of the world economic situation,” said Mayor Brad Woodside. “There’s an on-going confidence in our economy by our investors and our development community and that is reflected in these figures.”

Only in Cornwall, Ontario is the hiring outlook any rosier. According to the Survey, 30 per cent of employers in Fredericton expect to increase the number of employees in their workforce during the next quarter while 10 per cent said they expect to decrease their numbers. Sixty per cent expect no change for a net overall increase of 20 per cent.

In the City of Cornwall, 23 per cent of employers expect to hire while 70 per cent are unchanged and seven per cent don’t know – for an overall net increase of 23 per cent.

By comparison, Halifax expects a net decrease of three per cent. Moncton and Saint John expect a net increase of 10 per cent.

“We are anticipating 2009 will be another great year for development in Fredericton,” said Mayor Woodside. “I’m very pleased to see the confidence employers here have in our economic outlook.”

The  Manpower Employment Outlook Survey is the most extensive forward-looking survey of its kind, unparalleled in its size, scope, longevity and area of focus. The Survey has been running for more than 45 years and is one of the most trusted surveys of employment activity in the world. For more on the survey, visit www.manpower.com.

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Media Contact:  John White, Communications, City of Fredericton (506) 460-2227.