Released on October 7, 2005
Saskatchewan's job numbers dropped slightly last month after a string of 17 record months for job growth.Statistics Canada figures out today show 479,700 people employed in Saskatchewan in September (seasonally unadjusted figure), a drop of 3,300 jobs or 0.7 per cent from last year's record September. September 2005 is the third highest September on record for people working in the province.
"These numbers are obviously disappointing to us, particularly after Weyerhaeuser's announcement earlier this week," Labour Minister Deb Higgins said. "However, we need to put these numbers in the context of following one of the longest runs of record job numbers in decades, and they speak to the fundamental strength and diversification of the Saskatchewan economy.
"Today's numbers are solid, paling only by comparison to last year's record September, and employment was up in most of our key sectors."
Jobs were up last month in manufacturing, construction, transportation, agriculture, the resource industries and public administration. Decreases were seen in trade, finance, insurance and real estate, and services compared to the previous September.
Higgins noted that the service sector recorded the biggest drop, with the bulk of the decline in accommodation and food services. "This decline may be as a result of the smoking ban in drinking establishments," she said, adding that other jurisdictions experienced the same temporary reduction in employment numbers but that jobs eventually levelled off and recovered.
The minister said the majority of economic indicators still point to strong economic performance by Saskatchewan. Manufacturing shipments, potash production, natural gas production, farm cash receipts, international exports, retail sales, building permit values, new vehicle sales and capital investment are all up.
Most economic forecasters show Saskatchewan as one of the nation's leaders in economic growth. In its latest report, multi-national staffing company Manpower Inc. indicates that 93 per cent of Saskatoon employers and 87 per cent of Regina employers surveyed expect their staffing levels to increase or stay the same over the next quarter.
"Two weeks ago, Premier Calvert released the Saskatchewan Action Plan for the Economy, a plan that builds on the strength of our key sectors and commits us to further developing our climate for growth," Higgins said.
"By having the right policies and infrastructure in place, we are helping our businesses to move Saskatchewan forward and create more jobs for Saskatchewan people. Job numbers fluctuate from month to month, and while today's numbers are not what we would have hoped for, they are still indicative of a strong economy that is creating opportunities for Saskatchewan people."
Saskatchewan had the fourth lowest unemployment rate in Canada in September at 5.5 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), up 0.6 percentage points from September 2004 but below the national rate of 6.2 per cent.
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