The number of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians out of work in May 2009 compared to the same month last year is equivalent to almost the entire population of the Town of Paradise.
Some 12,000 fewer Newfoundlanders and Labradorians were collecting paycheques in May 2009 compared to May 2008, according to figures released Friday by Statistics Canada. Detailed tables show the losses and gains by economic sector.
Seasonally unadjusted figures show the changes by region, with central and the west coast of Newfoundland having the largest drops. All regions recorded a decline in employment according to Statistics Canada.
In March, the provincial finance department projected only a modest decline in employment - a mere 1.o percent - in 2009 compared to 2008. The provincial finance department uses Statistics Canada figures in making its estimates.
Paradise is billed as the fastest growing municipality in the province. According to the 2006 census, the town had a population of 12, 589.
Newfoundland and Labrador also posted the largest year over year percentage change in employment, with a drop of 5.3%.
Table: Percent change in employment, May 2009 compared to May 2008, seasonally adjusted, May (Source: Statistics Canada)
| Newfoundland and Labrador | -5.3 |
| Ontario | -3.3 |
| Prince Edward Island | -3.0 |
| British Columbia | -2.6 |
| Alberta | -0.7 |
| Quebec | -0.4 |
| New Brunswick | +0.6 |
| Manitoba | +0.6 |
| Nova Scotia | +0.8 |
| Saskatchewan | +2.6 |