(Queen's Park) – Simcoe North MPP Garfield Dunlop announced today that Ontario's economy roared into the new year with a gain of 25,500 new jobs in January. Based on recent seasonal adjustment revisions, this represents the 15th consecutive monthly increase.

"These latest job numbers reaffirm that our government's economic policies are working," said Dunlop. "By promoting an economy that generates new growth and new jobs in our communities, we continue to bring new hope and opportunities for people across this province."

Ontario's strong performance helped balance out a weaker economy in other parts of Canada, as employment fell nationally by 21,000 jobs. Ontario showed the most substantial job gains in the finance, insurance, real estate and transportation industries.

"Since our government was first elected in September 1995, 1,060,000 jobs have been created in this province," said Dunlop. "We are proud of this record and will continue to encourage job creation and economic growth to make Ontario even more competitive."

Dunlop also reported that Ontario"s unemployment rate fell from 7 percent to 6.8 percent from December.

Contact:
Garfield Dunlop
(416) 325-3855 (Queen"s Park office)
(705) 327-4500 (cell)