Released on June 10, 2005
Saskatchewan's stellar job growth continued in May, building on more than a year of record-setting employment performances.Statistics Canada figures out today show 494,200 people working in Saskatchewan last month (seasonally unadjusted figure). That's the best May on record, beating by 8,100 the old record for May set just last year.
May's job numbers bring to 14 the number of consecutive months for record job numbers in Saskatchewan.
"Our economy is on a roll, and these strong job numbers for May are proof of that," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Saskatchewan businesses know their opportunities are here, and through new jobs are also creating new opportunities for Saskatchewan workers."
Full-time jobs in the province increased by 4,500 over the previous May. Youth employment was up 2,100 over the previous May and Saskatchewan had the third lowest youth unemployment rate among the provinces.
Jobs were up last month in construction, trade, manufacturing, transportation and public administration compared to the previous May. Employment in services, finance, insurance and real estate and the resource industries declined in May, and jobs in agriculture were down marginally over the previous year.
Cline noted that economic forecasters continue to be bullish on Saskatchewan. General economic indicators also remain positive, with manufacturing shipments, potash production and sales, oil and natural gas production, international exports and retail sales all up. Mineral exploration expenditures this year are at unprecedented levels.
"Saskatchewan's economy is more diversified than it's ever been, with more and more countries around the world buying what we are selling," Cline said. "Our role as government is to help our businesses sustain that marketplace momentum, by developing policies and making infrastructure investments that ensure a continued climate for growth."
Saskatchewan had the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada in May at 4.4 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), down 0.5 percentage points from May 2004 and below the national rate of 7.0 per cent. Saskatoon had the third lowest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 3.9 per cent. Regina had the fourth lowest unemployment rate at 4.3 per cent.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 |