Released on April 30, 2008
Saskatchewan had the most significant decrease across Canada in the number of residents receiving Employment Insurance benefits in February, according to a report released by Statistics Canada.
"Saskatchewan has strong economic momentum, and our new government has made sustaining that momentum our top priority," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "The decrease in Employment Insurance recipients show that we are on the right track, and we will make further improvements by ensuring we have skilled and talented workers driving the economy."
The number of people receiving Employment Insurance dropped 7.1 per cent in February 2008, compared to January 2008. Saskatchewan also led the country in year-over-year declines with a 20 per cent decrease from February 2007.
Saskatchewan people are also earning more with the average earnings of a payroll employee calculated at $742.10 per week. This is an increase of 4.4 per cent compared to February 2007, well above the national average of 3.1 per cent.
"The people in our province are directly benefiting from the secure and prosperous Saskatchewan envisioned by our new government," Norris said. "We will continue to improve the quality of life as we move forward."
Month-over-month, Saskatchewan experienced a 0.9 per cent increase in employment earnings, reflecting a trend experienced throughout western Canada. The province's average weekly earnings are fourth in Canada, behind Alberta, Ontario and British Columbia.
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For more information, contact:
Donna-Rae Crooks
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716
Email: dcrooks@lab.gov.sk.ca