Released on January 28, 2009
The Saskatchewan economy remains strong, as payroll earnings continue to increase, according to a release today from Statistics Canada.
"Although we have seen increases to payroll earnings for many months now, we must monitor the economic scene closely," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "While our provincial economy is strong, we do not live in isolation from the rest of the world."
Saskatchewan workers continued to experience strong increases in wages. The average weekly earnings in Saskatchewan increased by 4.2 per cent over November 2007, the second largest growth among provinces in Canada after Alberta (5.8 per cent), and above the national average of 2.7 per cent in November 2008.
In November 2008, Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings were $770.06, up 0.8 per cent from the previous month (October 2008). Among all provinces, Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings occupied the 4th highest position after Alberta ($901.12), Ontario ($835.82) and British Columbia ($780.47).
Saskatchewan recorded a 16,900 increase in the number of people working, with a jump of 3.4 per cent in December 2008 compared to a year ago. This increase is seven times the national average of 0.5 per cent.
"Financial forecasts for Saskatchewan in 2009 are quite positive," Norris said. "Our vigilance however, will enable us to weather this economic storm."
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For more information, contact:
Joy Johnson
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1331
Email: joy.johnson@gov.sk.ca