Released on March 9, 2007
Saskatchewan’s job numbers continue to sizzle with both the best February ever for employment and the lowest unemployment rate on record for that month.
Statistics Canada figures out today show that 492,500 people were working in the province last month (seasonally unadjusted figure). That’s up 20,600 over the figure for February 2006 and beats by 16,200 the old record for February set two years ago.
February was the 11th straight month of record job numbers for Saskatchewan.
“Our job numbers are soaring, which speaks to the fundamental strengths and momentum of the Saskatchewan economy,” Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said on behalf of Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline. “Businesses are creating opportunities for young workers and families, and our climate for growth is resonating with people outside our province who are attracted by the Saskatchewan advantage.”
Full-time jobs in Saskatchewan were up 15,700 over last February. Youth employment increased by 10,100 over February 2006 and Saskatchewan’s youth unemployment rate was the third-lowest in the country.
Jobs were up last month in construction; services; the oil, gas and mining industries; trade and finance; and insurance and real estate.
The minister noted other positive economic indicators. Oil production, farm cash receipts, urban housing starts, international exports, retail sales, building permit values and average weekly earnings are all up.
Saskatchewan had the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada in February at 4.2 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), down 1.6 percentage points from February 2006 and below the national rate of 6.5 per cent. Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate for February was the lowest reported by Statistics Canada for that month. Saskatoon had the fourth lowest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 3.9 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