Released on June 8, 2007
Saskatchewan's economy continues to roll, with the best May ever for jobs and the 14th straight month for record job numbers.
Statistics Canada figures released today show that 509,000 people were working in the province last month (seasonally unadjusted figure). That's up 12,900 over last May when the previous record for the month was set.
"These record numbers for May are the latest evidence of an economy that is booming," Industry and Resources Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "There is a climate for business growth here like never before, and when businesses seize their opportunities, it is Saskatchewan workers who benefit."
Youth employment increased 3,500 over May 2006 and Saskatchewan's youth unemployment rate was the second-lowest in the country. Employment for Aboriginal people living off-reserve was up 1,700 from May of last year.
Jobs were up last month in services, the oil, gas and mining industries, retail and wholesale trade, manufacturing, and finance, insurance and real estate.
Other indicators also paint a positive picture of Saskatchewan's economy. Potash production and sales, farm cash receipts, urban housing starts, international exports, retail sales, building permit values, average weekly earnings and new motor vehicle sales are all up.
Saskatchewan had the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada in May at 4.3 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), down 0.1 percentage points from May 2006 and below the national rate of 6.1 per cent.
Saskatchewan Labour Force statistics can be found online at www.stats.gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca