Released on August 9, 2013
Saskatchewan had the strongest employment growth and lowest unemployment in Canada again in July, according to the latest Statistics Canada report released today.
Employment in the province rose to 564,100 people (seasonally unadjusted) in July. This was a 4.0 per cent jump over July 2012 and the highest growth rate among the provinces.
With more people entering the labour market, the province’s unemployment rate rose slightly to 4.0 per cent in July, up 0.3 percentage points over June 2013. This was still the lowest rate among the provinces and well below the national rate of 7.2 per cent.
Saskatchewan’s youth are also finding jobs, with the province’s youth unemployment rate falling drastically from 7.5 per cent to 6.4 per cent. This is the lowest youth unemployment rate among the provinces and less than half the national average of 13.9 per cent. This coincides with a jump in the population aged 15 years and older, which reached an all-time high in July of 826,800.
“The strength of our Saskatchewan people have helped to secure our reputation as the place in Canada to live, work and invest,” Energy and Resources Minister Tim McMillan said on behalf of Economy Minister Bill Boyd. “Our government looks forward to continued growth both in our economy and in our labour market, as we take advantage of new and exciting opportunities that abound in Saskatchewan.”
Other highlights include:
- The Saskatchewan labour force swelled to 590,500 in July, the highest on record;
- Compared to July 2012, full-time employment increased by 16,100 and part-time increased by 5,300;
- Compared to July 2012, the province’s youth population was up by 200 (0.1 per cent), the labour force up by 2,700 (2.6 per cent), and employment up by 6,800 (7.3 per cent);
- Compared to July 2012, Regina's employment was up by 9,400 (7.5 per cent) and Saskatoon's employment was up by 10,200 (6.6 per cent);
- Regina had the lowest unemployment rate among Canadian cities at 3.5 per cent while Saskatoon was second lowest at 3.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted);
- Compared to July 2012, Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 3,500 (8.8 per cent) for six consecutive months of year-over-year increases; and
- Compared to July 2012, Aboriginal youth employment was up by 700 (7.4 per cent) to 10,200 for two consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
By sector, the largest employment gains were in trade (up 4,700), agriculture (up 3,200), scientific and technical positions (3,200) and health care (3,200).
“This shows the province’s economy is becoming increasingly diversified, so even if there is a downturn in one sector, there are more jobs being created in other areas,” McMillan said.
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For more information, contact:
Shanna Schulhauser
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: shanna.schulhauser@gov.sk.ca