#UNIGNORABLE Issue: Unemployment

Unemployment is an #UNIGNORABLE issue in your community, and COVID-19 is making it is even harder for local businesses stay open, let alone hire.

The City of Peterborough’s unemployment numbers increased in October 2020, maintaining one of the highest rates among Canadian cities.

According to Statistics Canada data released on Friday, Peterborough’s unemployment rate for October was 11.7 per cent — up from 11.2 per cent reported in September. That places the city second behind Edmonton at 12.0 per cent.

Statistics show the top three growing occupations in Peterborough, 2016 – 2021
1. Customer and information services representatives
2. Food counter attendants and kitchen helpers
3. Nurse aides, orderlies and patient service associates

Through our extensive research, a living wage in Peterborough is $17.63. That’s based on a family of 2 parents & 2 children with both parents working full time.

Please click to the photo to your right to read more from the Living Wage Report and please be an advocate for employment opportunities in your community to help make this #UNIGNORABLE. This report has details on how you can become a Living Wage Employer.

We fund a number of agencies that help with unemployment in Peterborough. Click here to see the full list of partner agencies we fund. We work hard to raise funds for these agencies, so they can focus on closing the gap on the unemployment rates here in Peterborough.

Below is a powerful video that shines a light on unemployment.

Thank you to Chex News on Global Peterborough for their generous in-kind partnership with this video.

About the PERI Group

The Precarious Employment Research Initiative (PERI) is a collaborative project among many community partners interested in better understanding the employment and working conditions of workers in our community.

This project was initiated by Peterborough Public Health and expanded to include City of Peterborough, Peterborough and District Labour Council, Literacy Ontario Central South, Peterborough Workers’ Action Centre, Trent Community Research Centre, United Way of Peterborough, Workforce Development Board and Trent University psychology professor and researcher, Dr. Fergal O’Hagan with support from the Poverty and Employment Precarity in Southern Ontario(PEPSO) research project. To learn more about Decent Work Peterborough, click here.

The PERI Reports

Social Posts

Exciting News! 💫 The Reaching Home deadline has been extended!

Applicants now have until Wednesday, August 19 to submit your proposals.

Please keep in mind:
👉 Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to the following community priorities:
• Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing
• Eviction prevention
• Outreach
👉 Funding covers the period October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028
👉 New application deadline August 19, 2026

ℹ️ What is Reaching Home? It`s a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to communities to help them address their local homelessness needs.

Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca

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Exciting News! 💫 The Reaching Home deadline has been extended! Applicants now have until Wednesday, August 19 to submit your proposals. Please keep in mind: 👉 Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to the following community priorities: • Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing • Eviction prevention • Outreach 👉 Funding covers the period October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028 👉 New application deadline August 19, 2026 ℹ️ What is Reaching Home? It's a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to communities to help them address their local homelessness needs. Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca

We 💙 GM Financial!

A huge thank you to our friends at GM Financial for dropping off our first Backpacks for Success donations of the season! We’re so grateful for partnerships like these in our community.

💡 As part of their workplace drive, employees received a work from home day in exchange for making a donation. What a creative way to encourage workplace giving!

Our Backpacks for Success supply drives wrap up on August 14, but there is still time to help! Join us on August 8 at Auto Connect Sales for our Fill the Fords event. We’ll be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting school supplies, so stop by, say hello, and help us fill the Fords! 👋🎒

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We 💙 GM Financial! A huge thank you to our friends at GM Financial for dropping off our first Backpacks for Success donations of the season! We’re so grateful for partnerships like these in our community. 💡 As part of their workplace drive, employees received a work from home day in exchange for making a donation. What a creative way to encourage workplace giving! Our Backpacks for Success supply drives wrap up on August 14, but there is still time to help! Join us on August 8 at Auto Connect Sales for our Fill the Fords event. We’ll be there from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. collecting school supplies, so stop by, say hello, and help us fill the Fords! 👋🎒

We’re growing, evolving, and looking for an experienced Director, Finance & Administration to join our Senior Leadership Team.

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of United Way Peterborough & District by providing strategic leadership across finance, administration, governance, and organizational operations, ensuring we remain a strong and sustainable partner for our community.

📍 Peterborough, ON
💼 Full-time
💰 Starting salary: $83,106; salary range up to $93,536
📅 Apply by August 14, 2026

Interested or know someone who’d be a great fit? Visit our website [link in bio] to learn more and apply, and please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity within your networks.

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 17938345407299556
We’re growing, evolving, and looking for an experienced Director, Finance & Administration to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is an opportunity to help shape the future of United Way Peterborough & District by providing strategic leadership across finance, administration, governance, and organizational operations, ensuring we remain a strong and sustainable partner for our community. 📍 Peterborough, ON 💼 Full-time 💰 Starting salary: $83,106; salary range up to $93,536 📅 Apply by August 14, 2026 Interested or know someone who’d be a great fit? Visit our website [link in bio] to learn more and apply, and please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity within your networks.

❤️Won’t you be our neighbour?

Stay tuned, @_thetiffanyshow will be sharing the full story (and her inspiring Campaign Chair speech) soon. You won’t want to miss this!

#CertifiedNeighbour #UnitedWayPTBO

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❤️Won’t you be our neighbour? Stay tuned, @_thetiffanyshow will be sharing the full story (and her inspiring Campaign Chair speech) soon. You won’t want to miss this! #CertifiedNeighbour #UnitedWayPTBO

Don`t miss out 👉 United Way Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Reaching Home program!

ℹ️ What is Reaching Home?
Reaching Home is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada by providing funding to communities to address local housing and homelessness needs.

Important details:
⭐ Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to community priorities, including:
• Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing
• Eviction prevention
• Outreach

⭐ The funding period is October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028

📅 Applications close August 4, 2026.

Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18019432256905534
Don't miss out 👉 United Way Peterborough is now accepting applications for the Reaching Home program! ℹ️ What is Reaching Home? Reaching Home is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada by providing funding to communities to address local housing and homelessness needs. Important details: ⭐ Applications will be reviewed based on alignment to community priorities, including: • Creating, preserving, and enabling equitable access to housing • Eviction prevention • Outreach ⭐ The funding period is October 1, 2026, to March 31, 2028 📅 Applications close August 4, 2026. Apply today at uwpeterborough.ca

Meaningful conversations are the first step toward meaningful change. This morning, our CEO, Jason Seguya, had the opportunity to meet with MP Harrison (@emmaaharrisonmp) to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities.

Part of the conversation focused on the recently published Financial Anxiety Index, a national research project undertaken by United Way Centraide Canada and conducted by Léger. The findings are clear: nearly half of Canadians say they could cover their basic expenses for only one month or less if their income were interrupted, and many report that their financial situation has worsened in recent months. The research also highlights that single parents, newcomers, and young people are among those experiencing the greatest financial strain.

Jason also had the opportunity to elaborate on United Way Peterborough & District’s role as the Community Entity for the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program. For more than a decade, we have worked with local partners to administer federal homelessness funding, convene organizations across the sector, and support innovative, collaborative responses that help prevent and reduce homelessness in our community. Since 2020, more than $8 million in Reaching Home funding has been distributed locally to strengthen supports and services for those experiencing homelessness.

We appreciate the opportunity to share these insights and discuss the importance of coordinated community responses to poverty, housing insecurity, and homelessness. We look forward to continuing the conversation with MP Harrison in the months ahead as we work together to build a stronger, more connected community.

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18105429731035646
Meaningful conversations are the first step toward meaningful change. This morning, our CEO, Jason Seguya, had the opportunity to meet with MP Harrison (@emmaaharrisonmp) to discuss some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities. Part of the conversation focused on the recently published Financial Anxiety Index, a national research project undertaken by United Way Centraide Canada and conducted by Léger. The findings are clear: nearly half of Canadians say they could cover their basic expenses for only one month or less if their income were interrupted, and many report that their financial situation has worsened in recent months. The research also highlights that single parents, newcomers, and young people are among those experiencing the greatest financial strain. Jason also had the opportunity to elaborate on United Way Peterborough & District’s role as the Community Entity for the Government of Canada’s Reaching Home program. For more than a decade, we have worked with local partners to administer federal homelessness funding, convene organizations across the sector, and support innovative, collaborative responses that help prevent and reduce homelessness in our community. Since 2020, more than $8 million in Reaching Home funding has been distributed locally to strengthen supports and services for those experiencing homelessness. We appreciate the opportunity to share these insights and discuss the importance of coordinated community responses to poverty, housing insecurity, and homelessness. We look forward to continuing the conversation with MP Harrison in the months ahead as we work together to build a stronger, more connected community.

Breaking News: Jimothy has officially RSVP`d to our Fill the Fords event on August 8! 🎉

Want to join #Jimothy? Stop by Auto Connect between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to donate new school supplies in support of our Backpacks for Success initiative. Together, we`ll help fill the Fords and backpacks so that students of all ages can start the school year with the tools they need to succeed . 🎒📚💙

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18114858235730862
Breaking News: Jimothy has officially RSVP'd to our Fill the Fords event on August 8! 🎉 Want to join #Jimothy? Stop by Auto Connect between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. to donate new school supplies in support of our Backpacks for Success initiative. Together, we'll help fill the Fords and backpacks so that students of all ages can start the school year with the tools they need to succeed . 🎒📚💙

United Way Peterborough & District invites community members to our 84th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at the McDonnel St. Community Centre.

The evening will begin with a Community Conversation and Welcome Gathering from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our CEO, Jason Seguya, hear about his vision for the future, and join the conversation about strengthening our community together. A reception with light appetizers will follow.

At 5:30 p.m., we’ll officially convene our Annual General Meeting to reflect on the past year, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and conduct the business of the organization.

Space is limited! Please RSVP using the link in our bio.

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United Way Peterborough & District invites community members to our 84th Annual General Meeting on Thursday, August 6, at the McDonnel St. Community Centre. The evening will begin with a Community Conversation and Welcome Gathering from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., where you’ll have the opportunity to meet our CEO, Jason Seguya, hear about his vision for the future, and join the conversation about strengthening our community together. A reception with light appetizers will follow. At 5:30 p.m., we’ll officially convene our Annual General Meeting to reflect on the past year, celebrate the impact we’ve made together, and conduct the business of the organization. Space is limited! Please RSVP using the link in our bio.

🎒🚗 Introducing Fill the Fords! 🚗🎒

We’re teaming up with @autoconnectsales for a brand-new community event in support of our Backpacks for Success program, and you’re invited!

Join us on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to help us fill the Fords with new backpacks, school supplies, and financial donations for local students preparing to head back to school.

❤️Last year, nearly 500 local students received fully stocked backpacks through Backpacks for Success. With your help, we can make an even bigger impact this year.

Make a day of it!
🍔 Community BBQ featuring offerings from @kingstmarket
🍦 FREE @central_smith ice cream for the first 100 eligible donations (you heard that right)
🐻 Meet some special mascot guests

Whether you donate a backpack, a pack of pencils, lined paper or make a financial contribution, every gift helps a local student start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn.

📍 Auto Connect Sales 1175 Lansdowne St. West
📅 Saturday, August 8
⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

Save this post, tag a friend, and help us #FillTheFords for local students! 🛻✨🎒

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18060509696768710
🎒🚗 Introducing Fill the Fords! 🚗🎒 We’re teaming up with @autoconnectsales for a brand-new community event in support of our Backpacks for Success program, and you’re invited! Join us on Saturday, August 8 from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. to help us fill the Fords with new backpacks, school supplies, and financial donations for local students preparing to head back to school. ❤️Last year, nearly 500 local students received fully stocked backpacks through Backpacks for Success. With your help, we can make an even bigger impact this year. Make a day of it! 🍔 Community BBQ featuring offerings from @kingstmarket 🍦 FREE @central_smith ice cream for the first 100 eligible donations (you heard that right) 🐻 Meet some special mascot guests Whether you donate a backpack, a pack of pencils, lined paper or make a financial contribution, every gift helps a local student start the school year prepared, confident, and ready to learn. 📍 Auto Connect Sales 1175 Lansdowne St. West 📅 Saturday, August 8 ⏰ 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Save this post, tag a friend, and help us #FillTheFords for local students! 🛻✨🎒

👏 A huge thank you to @islinsurance for stepping up to support Backpacks for Success this year!

Their workplace donation drive is officially underway, and it`s a great reminder that making a difference is easy, and can start right at work.

Want to get your workplace, business, or organization involved? Hosting a Backpacks for Success supply drive is easy, fun, and has a direct impact on local students as they head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed.

💬 Comment "BACKPACK" below, and we`ll send you everything you need to get started, including our workplace toolkit, wish list, and all the details.

Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn. 📚✨

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Open post by unitedwayptbo with ID 18104763539164163
👏 A huge thank you to @islinsurance for stepping up to support Backpacks for Success this year! Their workplace donation drive is officially underway, and it's a great reminder that making a difference is easy, and can start right at work. Want to get your workplace, business, or organization involved? Hosting a Backpacks for Success supply drive is easy, fun, and has a direct impact on local students as they head back to school with the supplies they need to succeed. 💬 Comment "BACKPACK" below, and we'll send you everything you need to get started, including our workplace toolkit, wish list, and all the details. Together, we can help ensure every student starts the school year ready to learn. 📚✨
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