Released on March 7, 2003
Saskatchewan's economy continues to gather momentum as job numbers continue to climb over last year's numbers.Statistics Canada figures released today show that 475,500 people were working in the province last month (seasonally unadjusted), an increase of 10,600 over February 2002. This marks the tenth consecutive month that jobs increased in Saskatchewan, and it is the second highest February on record.
"Once again, today's job numbers demonstrate a resilient and diverse Saskatchewan economy," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Our resource industry is particularly strong and recent tax and royalty changes have had an impact upon it with record drilling, record land sales and more jobs over the past several months."
Resource industries such as oil, gas, mining and forestry recorded a gain of 1,200 jobs compared to February last year. As well, non-agricultural employment increased by 12,700 while youth employment increased in the province by 6,200 over February 2002.
Other sectors recording job increases included services, and finance, insurance and real estate.
Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 6.4 per cent in February (seasonally unadjusted), up slightly from last year's 6.1 per cent posting, but well below the national rate of 8.0 per cent.
"Our job numbers will change from month to month, but obviously the solid growth that we've seen over the last 10 months is proof positive that Saskatchewan's future is exciting, promising and wide-open," Cline said. "Saskatchewan's economy is thriving and that's a message we will continue to advance to people here in Saskatchewan as well as national audiences.
"Working together, we are building a strong climate for investment, for jobs and for opportunity and we will continue to promote this to audiences here in Saskatchewan as well as those beyond our borders."
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For More Information, Contact:
| Janet Peters Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277 Email: jpeters@ir.gov.sk.ca |