Released on February 8, 2013
Province has lowest unemployment rate in Canada
Saskatchewan added nearly 25,000 jobs in January compared to the same period last year, a 4.7 per cent increase and the highest growth rate among the provinces, according to Statistics Canada.
Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate fell to 4.0 per cent, to the lowest rate in Canada, the lowest level since November 2008, and well below the national average of 7.0 per cent.
Statistics Canada reported there were 24,700 more people working in the province in January compared to the same month last year for a total of 545,300 people employed. Full-time employment swelled in Saskatchewan, with the number of people in full-time positions increasing by 20,600 to 440,500. This was the highest level of full-time employment for the month of January.
“Saskatchewan is leading the nation in job creation, creating hope and opportunity for thousands of people,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said.
“And with forecasters predicting strong economic growth for 2013 and beyond, Saskatchewan will continue to offer rewarding careers for the province’s citizens and job seekers from across the country and around the world.”
Other highlights from the report include:
- Saskatchewan’s labour force was the highest level for the month of January at 568,400.
- Employment for women increased 5.1 per cent to 254,000 in January – an all-time high.
- Employment for men increased 4.4 per cent to 291,300 – the highest level for January on record.
- Youth population was up 200, the labour force up by 800, and employment up by 700 in January 2013 compared to the same time last year.
- Year-over-year employment was up in Regina by 3.3 per cent, while Saskatoon’s employment was up by 5.8 per cent.
- Regina has the lowest unemployment among major cities, at 4.1 per cent.
- Saskatoon has the sixth lowest rate at 5.3 per cent.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Ungar
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: linda.ungar@gov.sk.ca