Local Labour Market Information
Understanding labour market information is critical to HR planning. We can help.
What is Local Labour Market Information?
It is research and data about the job market, workforce trends and the economy in Grand Erie. Information is collected by talking with business owners, HR people and others, and by analyzing statistical data from reliable sources such as Statistics Canada.
Why is it important?
Having timely, fact-based data about local trends allows the Workforce Planning Board to identify labour force issues and challenges in our community. We then work with community partners to develop solutions.

Labour Market Reports
2019-2020 Labour Market Plan
Our annual Labour Market Plan paints a picture of Grand Erie’s job market and economy.
During 2019, the unemployment rate fell consistently in the region, with the Brantford-Brant census area recording record low numbers.
Many businesses reported job openings and competition for talent in a variety of occupations, especially in the skilled trades.
There is a lot of concern about experienced skilled trades people retiring, and that not enough young people are entering the trades to replace them. A focus on succession planning is needed in this tight labour market.
Addressing the labour shortage also requires looking strategically at foundational needs in the Grand Erie region.
Learn more about these strategies by reading the 2019-2020 Local Labour Market Plan: Navigating the Workforce in Grand Erie.
2018-2019 Labour Market Plan
Employers across the Grand Erie region faced challenges finding the workers they needed to grow.
Those challenges are explored in the 2018-19 Labour Market Plan titled Help Wanted: Building the Talent Pool.
With the unemployment rate at the lowest level in almost 10 years in the Brantford area, companies are finding it difficult to hire new employees, both to replace retirements and to grow their business.
Simply put: the demand for workers is outpacing the supply of available labour. Population decline in the Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk areas, particularly in the 15 – 44 age range, is contributing to a shrinking labour force, leaving many businesses without the workers they need.
Learn more by reading Help Wanted: Building the Talent Pool.
Labour Market Resources
2017-18 Labour Market Plan
Help Wanted: Growing the Talent Pool
2016-17 Labour Market Plan
Forging Skills for Today and Tomorrow, 2016
2015-16 Labour Market Plan
Forging Skills for Today and Tomorrow, 2015
2016 Census Data for Grand Erie
Statistics Canada data from the 2016 Census for Brant and Haldimand-Norfolk census divisions is a treasure trove of information about our community.