Released on August 27, 2008
Saskatchewan continues full speed ahead on the economic front. Our non-stop growth is fuelling higher wages and new job opportunities.
"Higher pay and a wide range of job choices are signals of a robust economy Saskatchewan people are enjoying the benefits of this sustained growth," Finance Minister Rod Gantefoer said. "As Saskatchewan continues to outpace other provinces on key economic indicators, new people are drawn to our province."
The average earnings of paid employees in Saskatchewan for June 2008 is $752.72 per week, up 0.4 per cent from the previous month according the Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan recorded the second largest year-over-year increase among provinces with 3.7 per cent, above the national average of 2.5 per cent.
More people are also working in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan recorded the largest percentage increase in the number of occupied paid jobs with a jump of 3.5 per cent in June 2008 compared to a year ago, also above the national average of 1.9 per cent.
Fewer people are receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits compared to a year ago. There were 7,860 people receiving regular EI benefits in June 2008 - down 17.5 per cent from June 2007, which was the largest drop of any province.
"Economic momentum shows no sign of slowing in Saskatchewan and our government is working to ensure all Saskatchewan people benefit from our growing economy," Gantefoer said.
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For more information, contact:
Donna-Rae Crooks
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: (306)787-3716