Released on July 10, 2009
Employment Numbers Show Economic Plan is Working
For the second consecutive month, the number of people working in Saskatchewan has hit an all-time high, according to the new Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics Canada.
There were 535,600 people working in Saskatchewan in June, breaking the previous record of 530,100 set in May.
Saskatchewan also continues to lead the country in job creation. From June 2008 to June 2009, the number of people working in the province increased by 14,500 - by far the most of any province. New Brunswick was the only other province to create jobs over the past year, with 3,000 more people working. Every other province lost jobs. Overall, Canada lost over 340,000 jobs during that same 12-month period.
Premier Brad Wall said the continuing strength of Saskatchewan's economy is still creating many new opportunities for Saskatchewan people.
"Despite layoffs in some sectors, Saskatchewan's economy is still going strong and continuing to set job creation records," Wall said. "We are blessed with a diverse economy and resource sector, and our government has taken the right steps to keep the economy moving forward through lower taxes and record investments in infrastructure."
Wall said the provincial government's $1.5 billion "economic booster shot" of infrastructure spending is paying off - helping Saskatchewan to create jobs and weather the economic storm. Employment in the construction sector is up by 5,100 - or 14.4 per cent - from a year ago.
"Just this week, I had a chance to visit Lloydminster, Battleford and Moose Jaw - just three of the hundreds of Saskatchewan communities that are benefiting from our ‘economic booster shot,'" Wall said. "Today's employment numbers show our economic plan is working and our province in on the right track."
Saskatchewan also has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.6 per cent, seasonally adjusted. Regina has the lowest unemployment rate of any major city in Canada at 3.4 per cent, while Saskatoon is second-lowest at 4.6 per cent.
Saskatchewan continues to show strong job growth for women and Aboriginal workers.
There are now 9,700 more women working in Saskatchewan than a year ago - an increase of 4 per cent, while Aboriginal employment is up 2,500, or 7.7 per cent.
Wall said there are still plenty of great opportunities available for those looking for work in Saskatchewan, with over 5,400 job openings posted today on the saskjobs.ca website.
MEDIA ADVISORY: Premier Brad Wall will speak with reporters about the new employment numbers today at 10:30 am at the Harbour Landing development, 4639 Hames Crescent, Regina. In case of inclement weather, the event will move indoors to 4653 Malcom Drive.
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca