Released on November 2, 2001
Saskatchewan's latest job numbers present a challenge the province accordstop priority, through a responsible and well thought out approach to
economic development.
Statistics Canada figures released today for October 2001 show a total drop
of 900 jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis from September.
The figures need to be put into context, Economic and Co-operative
Development Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "We're comparing October's
numbers to last October- which had the all-time record employment for that
month. Last year was also our highest ever for people working in this
province."
"Agriculture continues to present a challenge," Lautermilch said. "But we
also need to put agriculture in context. We're seeing less and less people
employed in the agriculture sector. This month, they account for about 50
per cent of the decrease. And, I think it's a reflection of the transition
taking place in the agriculture economy."
Lautermilch said Saskatchewan's overall economic base is strong, with a
number of indicators pointing to general economic strength and business
confidence.
On Thursday Statistics Canada released its Help Wanted Index for October,
the indicator of employers looking to hire workers. Saskatchewan recorded
the highest ranking in the nation, a 4.3 per cent increase over last
October's index, and was the only province to show a year-over-year
increase.
Oil, gas and mineral production, retail sales, new vehicle sales and
building permit values are all up year to date.
There were 469,900 people employed in Saskatchewan in October (seasonally
unadjusted figure).
Employment gains were recorded in construction and resource industries in
October, compared to the same month last year.
Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.1 per
cent in October, an increase of 0.5 percentage points from the previous
year, but well below the national rate of 6.7 per cent. Regina had the
lowest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 3.6 per cent.
"While job creation remains a top priority for this government, it's
imperitive that we continue to manage the current sitution responsibily,"
Lautermilch said. "That means we need to continue with our broad and
sustained approach - good fiscal management, and training programs for
workers that provide them with the skills they need to meet the challenges
of the new economy. These are initiatives that have increased jobs and
provided 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: The seasonally unadjusted and adjusted job figures,
supplied by Statistics Canada, can be found on Statistics Canada's website:
www.statscan.ca