Released on September 26, 2008
Strong economic momentum continues, as Saskatchewan outpaces other Canadian jurisdictions with another major increase in payroll earnings.
"Higher wages and big opportunities - these are the benefits of our strong economic momentum," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "It is exciting to see Saskatchewan people participate in, and benefit from our robust economic growth."
The average earnings of paid employees in Saskatchewan for July 2008 were $752.77 per week, up 0.1 per cent from the previous month, according to a release today from Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan recorded the third largest year-over-year increase among provinces with 3.9 per cent, above the national average of 2.6 per cent.
More people are also working in the province. Saskatchewan recorded the largest percentage increase in the number of occupied payroll jobs, with a jump of 3.3 per cent in July 2008 compared to a year ago. This increase is also above the national average of 1.8 per cent.
Fewer people are also receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. There were 9,660 people receiving benefits in July 2008 a drop of 14.7 per cent from the same month one year ago. This is the second largest drop in recipients of EI benefits across Canada.
"Our growing economy is increasing the quality of life for people across this province," Norris said. "Saskatchewan's future is bright and full of promise."
Premier Brad Wall and Ministers Stewart and Norris will pitch the province's high earnings and excellent quality of life in Toronto next week, along with 50 Saskatchewan employers, as part of a national job fair.
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For more information, contact:
Herman Hulshof
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-9715