Released on December 22, 2009
Saskatchewan now ranks third in Canada
For the second consecutive month, weekly earnings in Saskatchewan have reached an all-time high.
Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings for October 2009 were $815.22, a year over year increase of 2.6 per cent. The national average increase in weekly earnings was 1.6 per cent. Saskatchewan ranks third highest in average weekly earnings among all provinces, behind only Alberta ($953.69) and Ontario ($857.05).
Employment Insurance statistics, also released today, show that Saskatchewan is tied with Manitoba with the lowest per capita number of EI recipients in Canada.
"Saskatchewan has now posted record earnings, the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and the lowest per capita EI beneficiaries," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "These numbers reflect the relative strength of Saskatchewan's economy compared to other Canadian jurisdictions.
"Saskatchewan workers are earning more, and they're keeping more of what they earn, thanks to the largest income tax cut in Saskatchewan history delivered last year by our government."
Norris acknowledged that while recent statistics are encouraging, some Saskatchewan workers and employers have been affected by the global economic upheaval.
"We are always concerned when we see Saskatchewan employers and workers struggling," Norris said. "Our Rapid Response Teams continue to respond to these situations by offering key programs and services that support training and development and retention of our workers.
"In the first half of this fiscal year alone, our Can-Sask staff assisted almost 3,500 people in becoming reemployed."
Norris also pointed to the more than 70,000 jobs posted to saskjobs.ca this year as proof that quality opportunities are still available in the province.
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For more information, contact:
Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca