Released on August 22, 2013
Retail sales in June hit a record for the month totalling $1.6 billion, according to a new report released by Statistics Canada today. Another report on employment insurance claims show Saskatchewan had a drop of 3.0 per cent in claims on a year-over-year basis.
“With great job numbers and higher wages it’s no surprise that retail sales are going to increase and that fewer people are collecting employment insurance,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “In terms of the retail sales, higher wages have resulted in a willingness to invest into our economy, which keeps Saskatchewan moving forward.
Annually, retail sales climbed up 6.1 per cent, the third best in the nation. On a monthly basis, retail sales were up 1.2 per cent between May 2013 and June 2013, the fourth highest percentage increase among the provinces.
Saskatchewan had the second lowest number of regular EI beneficiaries as a percentage of the working-age population at 1.3 per cent. On a month-over-month basis, the number of regular EI beneficiaries dropped 2.4 per cent, the second best among Canadian provinces.
“Ultimately, both reports show that Saskatchewan people are experiencing a better quality of life with the extra purchasing power and the availability of jobs,” Boyd said.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca