Released on December 3, 2004
For the second straight month Saskatchewan has set a record for the number of people working in the province.Statistics Canada figures released today show 493,600 people employed in Saskatchewan in November (seasonally unadjusted figures). That beats the old record for November set two years ago and is a jump of 9,700 jobs from last November.
November's figures marked the eighth time in the last ten months where jobs have been up over the previous year.
"Our record job numbers are a sign of an economy -- and a province -- with momentum heading into our second century," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Saskatchewan businesses are successfully competing in the domestic and international marketplaces, and creating prosperity and careers for workers here at home."
Sectors showing job increases last month included construction, manufacturing, transportation, services and agriculture.
Full-time jobs rose by 10,700 year over year. Youth employment was up 4,000 jobs over the previous November and Saskatchewan had Canada's second lowest youth unemployment rate.
Other economic indicators continue to track well. Manufacturing shipments, potash production and sales, oil and natural gas production and urban housing starts are all up. Saskatchewan exports have increased for the ninth straight month year over year.
"Saskatchewan has moved into the ranks of 'have' provinces, thanks to diversification and the strong performance of our major resources," Cline said. "We have challenges in agriculture due to a poorer harvest, but we have much to celebrate overall in our economy.
"We will continue to build on our recent success, helping create an even stronger climate for more business growth and more jobs for Saskatchewan people."
Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada in November at 5.0 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), down 0.2 percentage points from November of last year and well below the national rate of 6.8 per cent. Regina had the lowest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 4.4 per cent.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 |