Released on March 9, 2001
Strong job growth in many areas in Saskatchewan continues to be affected byproblems in Saskatchewan's agricultural economy.
Statistics Canada figures released today show non-agricultural jobs
increased by 3,200 from February 2000 to February 2001. Over the same
period, the agricultural industry lost 16,400 jobs.
"These latest statistics show when one of our key sectors struggles, it
affects us all," Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Eldon
Lautermilch said. "The other sectors of our economy continue to show job
growth and that speaks to our increased diversification over the last
decade."
Job increases over last year were recorded in manufacturing, oil and gas,
mining, forestry, finance, insurance and real estate, as well as public
administration.
Lautermilch noted despite the job drop, the number of people working in
Saskatchewan in February, 463,900, was the third highest level for the
month of February, and suffers only by comparison with last year's all-time
record for the month.
Saskatchewan also had the third lowest unemployment rate in the country at
6.2 per cent in February, compared to the national rate of 7.4 per cent.
"Our job numbers fluctuate from month to month, but they have been tracking
well overall," Lautermilch said. "We have built a strong jobs base in our
province in recent years, as our economy creates jobs and opportunities for
Saskatchewan people."
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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