Released on December 5, 2008
Unemployment Rate Lowest in Canada
Even as job growth is slowing down in most other provinces, there were 14,800 more people working in Saskatchewan in November 2008 compared to November 2007, according to the latest Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics Canada.
That's an increase of 2.9 per cent - the second-highest growth rate in the country and almost five times the national average of 0.6 per cent. In fact, every province in Canada except for Saskatchewan and Alberta has seen their employment growth drop to less than one per cent.
Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 3.2 per cent.
"We are pleased to enter the holiday season with continuing growth in our employment rate," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "We can celebrate our strong work force and stable economy as we move into a new year."
Norris noted that more than two-thirds of the new jobs were filled by women and that there were 2,500 more aboriginal people working in Saskatchewan year over year.
Statistics Canada recently reported that workers in the province are also earning more. The average earnings of a payroll employee were $764.93 per week in November 2008. This is an increase of 4.1 per cent compared to November 2007, and well above the national average of 3.3 per cent. The Conference Board of Canada forecasts that Saskatchewan will lead the nation with 4.2 per cent economic growth this year.
"There are still many great job opportunities available in Saskatchewan," Norris said. "This morning, there were more than 7,400 job postings listed on www.saskjobs.ca.
"Our government will continue working hard to ensure there are plenty of great opportunities for everyone who wants to call Saskatchewan home."
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For more information, contact:
Joy Johnson
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: joy.johnson@gov.sk.ca