Released on December 6, 2002
Saskatchewan's job numbers just keep climbing over last year with yetanother record-breaking month.
Statistics Canada figures released today show the highest November on
record for people working in the province. There were 489,000 people
working in Saskatchewan last month (seasonally unadjusted), beating the
previous record for November set two years ago and an increase of 24,400
jobs over November 2001.
Saskatchewan has now posted four straight months of records for job growth
and seven consecutive months of solid job growth over last year's
figures. Saskatchewan had the highest percentage increase in job growth
year over year of any province in November.
"Our province is showing the momentum that comes with innovative, expanding
businesses and a growing economy," Industry and Resources Minister Eldon
Lautermilch said. "Businesses are building on a strong foundation of
diversification, creating new opportunities for themselves and new jobs for
Saskatchewan people."
Non-agricultural employment was up 21,100 compared to November of last
year. The agriculture sector was also up 3,300 jobs over the previous
November.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, job numbers in November were up 2,100 over
those for October of this year.
Other economic indicators are also positive. Business incorporations,
manufacturing shipments, retail and department store sales, new vehicle
sales, urban housing starts, potash sales and natural gas production are
all up. Social assistance caseloads continue to decline.
The major banks and other forecasters are optimistic about Saskatchewan's
growth prospects this year, and are predicting the economy will pick up
more steam in 2003.
Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.3 per
cent in November (seasonally unadjusted), unchanged from last year, and
well below the national rate of 7.1 per cent. Regina had the lowest
unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 4.2 per cent.
"Saskatchewan's job figures will obviously vary from month to month, but we
have bounced back dramatically from the tough year we faced in 2001,"
Lautermilch said. "Our province still faces challenges in its important
agriculture sector, but our businesses and communities are dealing with
those challenges and creating value-added strength in all our major sectors.
"Entrepreneurial drive and a competitive business climate are combining
with key infrastructure investments by government to create a Saskatchewan
future that truly is wide open - with new jobs, new careers and new
prosperity for anyone who dares to dream."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-8277