Released on November 6, 2009
Saskatoon and Regina lead the way
Saskatchewan's unemployment rate of 5.3 per cent (seasonally adjusted) is once again the lowest in Canada, while Saskatoon and Regina have the lowest unemployment rates among Canadian cities, according to the October Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics Canada.
Saskatoon's unemployment rate is 4.4 per cent while unemployment in Regina stands at 5.1 per cent. The national unemployment rate is 8.6 per cent.
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said the low unemployment numbers point to the relative strength of the Saskatchewan economy compared to other parts of Canada.
"While we aren't out of the woods yet, we are seeing positive indicators that suggest Saskatchewan is well-positioned to lead the nation into the global economic recovery," Norris said. "Our province is home to Canada's lowest unemployment rate, and our workers are earning more than ever."
There were 520,600 people working in Saskatchewan in October, a decrease of 1,000 compared to 2008. Alberta lost 68,800 jobs and Manitoba lost 1,400 jobs in the past year, while Canada as a whole lost 361,300 jobs during that same period.
"While the low unemployment numbers are encouraging, we remain concerned whenever layoffs take place in our province," Norris said. "Our Rapid Response Teams continue to provide access to key programs such as federal work sharing and the Provincial Skills Training Benefit, which can help employers and workers through difficult times."
More than 1,400 Saskatchewan workers have benefited from the work sharing program this year.
"With more than 5,800 vacancies this morning on saskjobs.ca, there are still opportunities available for Saskatchewan people," Norris said.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106