Released on September 7, 2001
Saskatchewan's job numbers are rebounding, as the province posts increasesover the previous month for the third consecutive month.
Figures released today by Statistics Canada show there were 476,900 people
employed in Saskatchewan on a seasonally adjusted basis in August 2001, up
3,900 from July 2001. Saskatchewan recorded the second largest percentage
job increase of any province and was one of only four provinces to show an
increase between July and August.
"Our economy has a strength and resiliency that is helping it withstand the
well publicized problems in agriculture," Economic and Co-operative
Development Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "The overall job numbers are
down over last August, in large measure due to agriculture, but with our
other non-agricultural sectors performing well, we have reason for
optimism, as our economy creates jobs and opportunities for Saskatchewan
people."
Employment gains were recorded in manufacturing, construction, resource
industries and public administration in August, compared to the same month
last year.
Other indicators show the economy's strength and business's confidence in
it. Statistics Canada's Help Wanted Index for August, the indicator of
employers looking to hire workers, was released Thursday. Saskatchewan
recorded a 4.3 per cent increase over the index for the previous August,
was the second highest province in the rankings, and was one of only three
provinces to show a year-over-year increase.
The province also fared well in Statistics Canada's building permit report
for July, released on Wednesday. The value of building permits rose 56 per
cent from July 2000, reflecting a number of large industrial and
institutional projects underway.
A new Manpower Temporary Services survey shows 93 per cent of Saskatoon
employers and 92 per cent of Regina employers expect staffing levels to
increase or stay the same between October and December 2001.
Oil well drilling, retail sales and new vehicle sales are all up year-over-
year, as are the number of business incorporations.
Saskatchewan had the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.7 per
cent in August, compared to the national rate of 7.5 per cent. Saskatoon
had the third lowest rate among major Canadian cities at 5.5 per cent.
"Clearly, we would like to have stronger job numbers in agriculture, an
industry at the heart of our economy and identity," Lautermilch said.
"However, the job numbers in other sectors and the economic indicators
overall speak to Saskatchewan's success in diversification and to the many
businesses and individuals who are tirelessly working to create a climate
for new value-added businesses and new value-added jobs."
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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