Released on October 8, 1999
Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and a 7,400 year-over-year increase in employment, according to Statistics Canada September labour
force figures released today.
The statistics show 490,200 people employed in Saskatchewan in September 1999,
compared to 482,800 in September 1998.
"Thanks to our diversified economy, employment continues to grow," Economic and
Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon said. "The figures would be
even stronger if our employment and economic growth weren't being hampered by
European and U.S. protectionism, a fact that Minister Lingenfelter and I spoke
out about earlier this week at the meeting of federal/provincial trade
ministers.
"Overall, Statistics Canada data shows our economy is strong and diversified
and that our labour market is continuing the strong recovery which began in
June. In fact, our top three months ever for employment in Saskatchewan have
all come during the summer months of 1999."
The labour force rose to 514,100 in September 1999, an increase of 5,100 over
September 1998 The unemployment rate dropped from 5.1 per cent in September
1998 to 4.6 per cent, the lowest of any province. Regina's unemployment rate
of 4.7 per cent is the lowest of any major city in Canada.
"Our economy remains strong because our Saskatchewan small businesses and co-
operatives are marketing successfully all over the world," MacKinnon said. "A
prime example of this is Schulte Industries of Englefeld, which received one of
ten Canada Export Awards this week. We have plenty more companies like Schulte
throughout our province, building a strong Saskatchewan for the 21st century."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone (306) 787-1691