Released on August 7, 2009
Despite some job losses in July, Saskatchewan continues to post the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and is now the only province with more people working than a year ago, according to the latest labour force report released today by Statistics Canada.
There were 526,300 people working in Saskatchewan in July 2009 - an increase of 11,400 over July 2008. All other provinces lost jobs during that same 12-month period. Overall, there are 347,100 fewer Canadians working than a year ago.
Saskatchewan's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent is the lowest in Canada - well below the national unemployment rate of 8.6 per cent. Regina has the lowest unemployment rate among Canadian cities at 3.2 per cent while Saskatoon is second-lowest at 4.7 per cent.
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said latest numbers show Saskatchewan is being affected by the recession, but is still faring extremely well compared to other provinces.
"Saskatchewan is still the best place for employment opportunities, an excellent quality of life, and higher earnings," Norris said. "Our government will continue to take the necessary steps to keep our economy strong and steady through these difficult times."
Norris noted that construction jobs continue to increase in Saskatchewan - up 3,100 from last month and 4,500 from last year.
"This shows that our ‘economic booster shot' on construction projects is working, with both the government and private sector building for Saskatchewan's future," Norris said. "I am also pleased to see strong employment growth among aboriginal people - up 2,600 or about eight per cent from last year."
Norris said the job losses both in Saskatchewan and across Canada reinforce the need for Employment Insurance reform being discussed by the Premiers in Regina this week.
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For more information, contact:
Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926
Email: bill.stovin@gov.sk.ca