|
EMPLOYMENT – LABOUR AND INCOME
The occupational and income distribution rates of Atikokan are essentially governed by the main primary industries that Atikokan has to offer. The forestry and service industries prove to be very influential with regard to Atikokan’s employment rates. The three leading employment opportunities in Atikokan are: Atikokan Forest Products, Fibratech Manufacturing Ltd. and public service (store cashiers, sales people, waitresses etc.).
Participation Rates
The following chart shows the participation rates for Atikokan according to age and sex. Participation rate refers to the percentage of the total population in the labour force. The labour force includes two categories: employed and unemployed. Persons who are unemployed, but who are still considered in the labour force, are either registered with the Canada Employment Centre, collecting unemployment insurance or have worked within the last five years. The total number of people in the labour force in 1996 was 2,040. The participation rate for both sexes aged 15 years and over was 62% in 2001. This figure was slightly below the 2001 participation rate for Ontario, which was 67.3%.
The following graph illustrates the income distribution of males and females in Atikokan. The average income for male residents is $32,000, and the average income for female residents is $10,851. The reasoning for the distinction between the average income for males and females is the employment opportunities available to each. The majority of employees who are employed at Atikokan Forest Products and Fibratech Manufacturing Ltd. are men, while a large portion of the service industry has female employees. The hourly rate of pay is considerably higher at Atikokan Forest Products and Fibratech Manufacturing Ltd. than it is with the service industry.
Employment By Industry
Atikokan’s largest sector of employment is Manufacturing & Construction, comprising 30% of the labour force.
Unemployment Rate
There are two factors that contribute to the elevated unemployment rate in Atikokan in comparison to the Ontario and Canada unemployment rates. The first factor involves the type of employment available in Atikokan. Many of Atikokan’s industries rely on natural resources, which results in a number of seasonal employment opportunities. Logging activity ceases during spring break-up, many tourist camps close during the winter and forest fire fighters work only during the fire season. The second factor for the high unemployment rate is the lack of marketable skills and knowledge demonstrated by a number of Atikokanites. Many positions that require expertise in a certain area are filled by people from out of town with the required knowledge and trades.
|
