Article content Mackenzie adds the local economic fundamentals remain strong. Manufacturers are busy, he said, there’s record new housing starts and continued population growth. More people returned to the labour force in June and the employment participation rate (60.7 per cent) is at its highest level since Feb. 2020. “The labour force grew by 600 people, which is excellent,” Mackenzie said. “More people are looking for work because they’re more confident of finding a job.” Mackenzie said the top business issue he’ll be most closely watching in the coming weeks is the border re-opening. The next update from the federal government on the issue will come by July 21.