Released on December 4, 2009
For the sixth consecutive month, Saskatchewan's unemployment rate is the lowest in Canada according to the November Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan's rate of 5.2 per cent (seasonally adjusted), is well below the national rate of 8.5 per cent.
Among major Canadian cities, Saskatoon (4.6 per cent) and Regina (4.9 per cent) continue to lead the way, ranking first and second respectively.
After a couple of months of job losses, there were more people working in Saskatchewan in November. There were 521,600 people working in Saskatchewan in November 2009 - 900 more than in November 2008. Canada as a whole lost 193,700 jobs during that same period.
"Saskatchewan's growing number of jobs and low unemployment rate point to the relative strength of our economy compared to other parts of Canada," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Through the worst of the recession, Saskatchewan's economy has remained strong and continued to create jobs."
Norris said the government is also working hard to help employees in those sectors hit by layoffs.
"We are always concerned when layoffs take place and we are working across the province to provide services and advice to all of those affected," Norris said. "As of September 30, our staff have assisted almost 3,500 Employment Insurance beneficiaries in becoming reemployed."
Norris also pointed to the saskjobs.ca website as a sign that opportunities are still available.
"Right now, there are more than 5,400 opportunities on saskjobs.ca," Norris said. "Since April 1, we've seen more than 70,000 vacancies posted to the site, including 7,900 in November."
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For more information, contact:
Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106