Economy sheds jobs

Statistics Canada says the economy unexpectedly lost 9,400 jobs last month as the unemployment rate rose to 7.1 per cent.

That’s the highest it’s been since last December. Economists were expecting another month of job creation following may’s almost 2,600 job gain. Ontario had the biggest loss — almost 3,400 jobs gone in June — almost all in the 15-24 age group. Minister of economic development, Brad Duguid, says the province is committed to creating more job opportunities for young people.

Duguid also says Ontario’s manufacturing sector continues to be another major challenge when it comes to job loss in the province.