Released on April 26, 2012
Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings rose by 5.0 per cent in February 2012, compared to February of last year, the highest increase among the provinces according to Statistics Canada.
Average weekly earnings in the province were $905.98 - the third highest among the provinces after Alberta at $1,057.57 and Newfoundland and Labrador at $919.08, and above the national average of $886.45.
With inflation of 2.0 per cent factored in, Saskatchewan had a real wage increase of 3.0 per cent compared to a national decrease of 0.8 per cent.
"Workers in Saskatchewan are seeing increases in weekly earnings, indicating long-term stability in the workplace and a promising future," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, our province offers tremendous opportunities for Saskatchewan citizens and continues to be attractive to people from across our nation and the world."
Saskatchewan also recorded an increase of 3.2 per cent in the number of occupied payroll jobs compared to a year ago, above the national increase of 1.2 per cent. Saskatchewan's percentage increase in the number of payroll jobs was the second highest among the provinces, behind Alberta at 4.6 per cent.
Today, Saskjobs.ca has more than 11,400 jobs posted for job seekers to explore.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Bonny Braden
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Saskatoon
Cell: 306-221-1838