Released on June 5, 2009
Saskatchewan Employment Now Higher Than Before Recession Started
There are now more people working in Saskatchewan than ever before in the province's history.
The new Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey released today shows there were 530,100 people working in Saskatchewan in May 2009, shattering the previous record of 522,500 set in September 2008.
Premier Brad Wall said it is remarkable that Saskatchewan has set a job creation record in the middle of a global economic recession.
"Saskatchewan continues to be a bright spot," Wall said. "While we have seen some layoffs in our province, there are still a lot more jobs being created than being lost. That really speaks to the strength of our economy and the confidence of Saskatchewan businesses and consumers."
Saskatchewan continues to have the strongest job growth in the country, at a time when most other provinces are losing jobs. The May 2009 employment numbers show an increase of 12,600 jobs compared to May 2008. Overall, Canada lost 337,500 jobs during that same 12-month period.
Wall said the government's "economic booster shot" of $1.5 billion in infrastructure investment appears to be working, as there are 4,700 new construction jobs - an increase of 13.8 per cent.
"Over one-third of the new jobs in Saskatchewan are in the construction industry," Wall said. "Both the government and the private sector are building our province, creating jobs and boosting our economy."
Saskatchewan is tied with Manitoba for the lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 4.9 per cent. Regina has the lowest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 3.9 per cent while Saskatoon is fourth-lowest at 5.2 per cent.
Saskatchewan also continues to show strong job growth for women and Aboriginal workers. Employment for women is up 10,300 or 4.3 per cent over the past year, while Aboriginal employment is up 2,000 or 6.2 per cent.
Wall noted that for those still looking for work in Saskatchewan, there are over 6,500 employment opportunities posted today on the saskjobs.ca website.
"The powerful combination of our booster shot, lower taxes, our competitive business environment and telling the Saskatchewan success story outside our borders has sustained our economic momentum and will ensure our future growth."
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For more information, contact:
Leanne Persicke
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1321
Email: leanne.persicke@gov.sk.ca