Released on July 8, 2005
It's now 15 straight months of record job numbers for Saskatchewan, with the highest June on record for employment.Statistics Canada figures released today show 497,700 people working in the province last month (seasonally unadjusted figure). That beats by 5,800 the old record for June set just last year.
"Our continued good news on the jobs front reflects an economy that is hot and building on strong foundations," Finance Minister Harry Van Mulligen said on behalf of Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline. "This is clearly a great time to be in business and working in Saskatchewan."
Full-time jobs in the province rose 6,600 over June of last year. Youth employment increased 1,400 over last June and Saskatchewan was tied for the second-lowest youth unemployment rate among the provinces.
Jobs were up last month in construction, trade, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation and public administration compared to the previous June. Employment in services, finance, insurance and real estate and the resource industries declined June over June.
Van Mulligen noted that most economic forecasters place Saskatchewan firmly among the nation's leaders. Other indicators continue to track well, with manufacturing shipments, potash production and sales, oil and natural gas production, mineral exploration, international exports, retail sales and building permit values all up.
In its latest report, multi-national staffing company Manpower Inc. indicates that 97 per cent of Regina and Saskatoon employers surveyed expect their staffing levels to increase or stay the same over the next quarter.
"We continue to build a climate for growth in this province, getting the policy and infrastructure fundamentals right for businesses to succeed and prosper," Van Mulligen said. "Yesterday, Maple Leaf Foods showed its confidence in Saskatchewan by announcing a multi-million dollar expansion of its pork processing operations here. It's the latest example of how our key economic sectors are moving this province forward into a new century of opportunity."
Saskatchewan had the second-lowest unemployment rate in Canada in June at 4.2 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), down 0.2 percentage points from June 2004 and below the national rate of 6.3 per cent.
NOTE: Minister Van Mulligen will be available for a media scrum today at 12:00 p.m. outside Room 312, Legislative Building, Regina.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 |