Released on September 5, 2008
The number of people working in Saskatchewan jumped by 15,100 from August 2007 to August 2008, according to the latest Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics Canada.
That is an increase of 3 per cent - the highest growth rate in the country and over double the national average of 1.3 per cent.
Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said the huge increase in employment is one more sign Saskatchewan is continuing its economic momentum and Saskatchewan people are enjoying the benefits through increased career opportunities.
"Our government is committed to improving the quality of life for Saskatchewan people," Stewart said. "The number of people working in Saskatchewan is on the rise, giving Saskatchewan people opportunities to build secure and prosperous futures in our province."
Stewart noted that of the 15,100 new workers, 11,200, or nearly three-quarters, were women.
"It's great that our economy is creating so many new employment opportunities for women," Stewart said.
Statistics Canada recently reported that workers in the province are also earning more. The average earnings of a payroll employee were $752.72 per week in June 2008. This is an increase of 3.7 per cent compared to June 2007, and well above the national average of 2.5 per cent. The Conference Board of Canada forecasts that Saskatchewan will lead the nation with 4.2 per cent economic growth this year.
Stewart noted that there are still over 9,000 positions listed on www.saskjobs.ca.
"That means there are still plenty of great opportunities for anyone else who is thinking of moving to the best province in Canada," Stewart said.
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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