Released on November 3, 2000
The diversification of Saskatchewan's economy is resulting in solid job growthin most key economic sectors, despite continuing challenges in agriculture.
Figures released today by Statistics Canada show that non-agricultural
employment was up for the tenth consecutive month in October 2000, an increase
of 11,100 over the figure from October 1999. However, a drop of 10,900
agricultural jobs resulted in a modest overall increase in job numbers, with
486,100 people working in October, 2000.
"While our primary agriculture industry continues to struggle because of
international commodity prices, other sectors are performing well," Economic
and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon said. "Businesses
across the province are creating new jobs – particularly full-time jobs – for
Saskatchewan people."
The Saskatchewan economy created an average of 6,400 more jobs over the first
ten months of 2000, compared to the same period in 1999. An average of 8,800
more full-time jobs were created in the January to October period, compared to
the same period last year.
Saskatchewan's unemployment rate dropped to 4.6 per cent in October, third
lowest among the provinces, and significantly lower than the national rate of
6.3 per cent. Saskatoon had the lowest unemployment rate of major Canadian
cities at 3.9 per cent. Regina was fourth at 4.4 per cent.
"While our job numbers fluctuate from month to month, the statistics have shown
stable and solid growth for our province throughout the year," MacKinnon said.
"The future is bright for our families and our young people as together we
chart an economic course to create even more jobs for Saskatchewan."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone (306) 787-1691
Note to Editors: These are seasonally unadjusted figures as supplied by
Statistics Canada. Adjusted and unadjusted figures can be found on Statistics
Canada's website: www.statscan.ca