Released on March 8, 2002
Saskatchewan's job numbers improved considerably in February according tofigures released today.
Statistics Canada figures show 464,900 people were working in the province
last month (seasonally unadjusted). That's the second highest number on
record for the month of February, and is an increase of 1,000 over the
figure for February, 2001.
"These job numbers are very encouraging and are further evidence our
economy is turning around," Economic and Co-operative Development Minister
Eldon Lautermilch said. "While there's no question 2001 was a tough year
for Saskatchewan, the continuing diversification of our province is helping
us weather our challenges and move forward."
Employment was also up 5,800 over the figure for January, 2002 (seasonally
adjusted) and is the second straight month in which employment is up over
the previous month. January saw employment increase by 4,200 jobs over
December. Saskatchewan recorded the highest percentage increase of any
province in comparing February's and January's figures.
Job numbers increased in manufacturing, construction, services,
transportation, retail and wholesale trade and public administration.
Other economic indicators are also positive, with oil and gas production,
retail and department store sales, urban housing starts, building permits
and new business incorporations all up. And Statistics Canada figures
released last week indicate Saskatchewan has the highest percentage
increase of any province for expected capital investment this year.
Saskatchewan had the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 6.1 per
cent in February (seasonally unadjusted), down 0.1 percentage points from
last February and well below the national rate of 8.4 per cent.
Saskatchewan was the only province that avoided an increase in unemployment
last month. Regina's unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent was the third
lowest among major Canadian cities.
"Our job numbers will fluctuate from month to month but today's figures
continue the trend of improvement we've seen in recent months," Lautermilch
said. "Our government will not rest in addressing job creation and through
our economic plan, Partnership for Prosperity, we will continue to build
our competitive business climate - a climate that will result in more
diversification and more jobs for Saskatchewan people."
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone (306) 787-1691