Released on August 6, 1999
Saskatchewan has set another record for the number of people workingin the province.
Employment figures released today by Statistics Canada show 499,300
people employed in Saskatchewan in July, 1999. This is an increase of
7,500 over July, 1998, eclipsing the record of 498,100 set just last
month.
"The figures reflect an economy that is more diversified than ever
before. If not for the current agriculture crisis, we'd be showing
even stronger growth," Economic and Co-operative Development Minister
Janice MacKinnon said. "Once the agriculture crisis has been properly
addressed by Ottawa, the Saskatchewan economy will quickly resume its
previous record pace."
MacKinnon adds, at this point in the year, the 30,000-new-job target
has been met.
The provincial economic strategy has a goal of 30,000 new jobs by the
year 2000.
MacKinnon said the hard work and productivity of Saskatchewan people
are responsible for the record job growth. According to a recent
study, Saskatchewan had the highest gains in productivity of any
province in Canada between 1994 and 1998.
"I salute the hard work of Saskatchewan workers, business people,
co-operative leaders and Regional Economic Development
Authorities for their superior performance. Our balanced
approach has meant that Saskatchewan, already the best place to
live and work in Canada, also had the highest productivity gain.
You can have it both ways."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone (306) 787-1691