Manitoba’s Progressive Conservatives are warning that a sharp increase in the province’s unemployment rate over the past year shows the governing Manitoba NDP has failed to protect good-paying jobs and present a clear economic growth strategy.PC leader Wayne Ewasko pointed to Statistics Canada figures showing Manitoba’s unemployment rate climbed from four percent in January to 5.8% in November. According to Ewasko, roughly 40,900 Manitobans were unemployed last month, up from 33,300 a year earlier.“The finance minister tried his best to put a positive spin on some very bad news this week,” said Ewasko. “But the truth is, there are more Manitobans who can’t afford to put gifts under the tree or dinner on the table for their families this Christmas because they are out of work and falling behind under this NDP government.”.First supervised drug consumption site planned for Winnipeg's downtown.The data also shows jobless numbers have risen throughout the province. In Winnipeg, the unemployment rate increased from 4.4% to 5.9% year over year. Central Manitoba, which includes Portage la Prairie, saw its unemployment climb from 3.3% to 4.5%. In the Parkland and northern regions, it reached 6.5%. .OLDCORN: Health Minister Holland puts politics before effective quitting smoking methods.Youth unemployment jumped from ten percent to 12.8%.PC Finance Critic Lauren Stone said the government has had 14 months to release an economic growth plan but has so far failed to do so. Stone said Manitoba recently lost a $1.6-billion electric vehicle battery plant deal to Ontario, which would have brought thousands of jobs. .Premier popularity shifts, Moe gains ground, Smith and Eby hold steady.Concerns also remain about the proposed 25% tariffs on Manitoba goods by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.Last week, the NDP refused calls for an emergency debate on the tariffs. They also declined to form an all-party committee to address the threat.
