TORONTO — Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade, issued the following statement on Statistics Canada’s monthly employment release:

“Economic growth and recovery remain a key priority for our government in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Today, Statistics Canada released its monthly employment numbers, which showed an employment increase in Ontario of 150,700 in July and follows gains of 377,900 jobs – 66,200 of them manufacturing – in the month of June.

These new employment numbers are so much more than a statistic: they represent business owners and workers who are back on the job, families getting back on their feet, and communities beginning to flourish once again.

While these numbers are an indication that our economy is continuing to find its footing, the road of recovery will still be a long and difficult one. As the province gets back on the job, we will continue working with businesses to develop a comprehensive safety plan to better protect workers, customers, and clients.

Over the last several months, our government has been working hand in hand with the people and businesses of Ontario to develop the right framework to safely reopen the economy and build a strong foundation for our future prosperity. From the introduction and passage of the COVID-19 Economic Recovery Act to the ongoing work of our Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee, we have a made-in-Ontario plan to create more opportunities and bring jobs and prosperity back to every corner of our province.”