RECORD JOBS FOR AUGUST

Released on September 6, 2002

Saskatchewan has set a new record for the number of people working in

August.



Statistics Canada figures released today show 496,800 people were employed

in the province last month (seasonally unadjusted), beating the previous

August record set three years ago.



August employment was up 6,300 over August of 2001. This marks the fourth

consecutive month of solid job growth over last year's figures.



"These great numbers are further evidence of the resiliency and growth of

Saskatchewan industries and the economic momentum we're experiencing,"

Corrections and Public Safety Minister Andrew Thomson said on behalf of

Industry and Resources Minister Eldon Lautermilch. "We continue to have

our difficulties in agriculture, but the trend of the last four months is

very encouraging for a return to the strong job growth we witnessed prior

to last year."



Non-agricultural employment was up 9,100 in August compared to the previous

year. Job numbers increased in services, retail and wholesale trade,

manufacturing and finance, insurance and real estate. Job numbers in

agriculture dropped by 3,100 – evidence of continuing challenges of severe

drought, low commodity prices and U.S. farm subsidies.



Lautermilch cited other indicators as a sign of a strengthening economy.

Retail and department store sales, new motor vehicle sales, new business

incorporations, residential building permit values, natural gas production,

and potash sales are all up. Social assistance caseloads are at their

lowest number in a decade. Major forecasters are all predicting steady

positive growth for the economy this year.



Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 5.9 per

cent in August (seasonally unadjusted), up slightly (0.2 percentage points)

from last year, and well below the national rate of 7.7 per cent.



"Our job figures will obviously fluctuate from month to month, but this

record for August is a strong signal of an economy that's rebounding,"

Thomson said. "We are meeting our challenges and seizing our

opportunities. Working together, building on strong foundations, and

celebrating our province's successes, business and government are creating

new jobs and new prosperity for Saskatchewan people."



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For more information, contact:



Bob Ellis

Industry and Resources

Regina

Phone (306) 787-1691