Released on May 10, 2013
Saskatchewan’s employment figures for April are the highest on record for the month. Employment was 548,500 in April, up by 16,700 jobs over April 2012, a 3.1 per cent growth rate and the second highest in Canada. Full-time employment was 444,100, another record level for the month of April.
“What is encouraging about today’s record job statistics is the solid growth we are seeing in the number of full-time jobs,” Agriculture Minister Lyle Stewart said on behalf of Economy Minister Bill Boyd. “When workers are able to secure full-time work, it means additional benefits and above all more financial security which leads to a better quality of life.”
Saskatchewan again had the lowest seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate in Canada in April at 4.0 per cent. On a national basis, the unemployment rate is 7.2 per cent. Regina’s unemployment rate was 3.5 per cent and Saskatoon’s was 3.7 per cent. Regina had the lowest and Saskatoon the second lowest rate among major Canadian cities. Youth unemployment in the province was 8.2 per cent, the lowest in Canada.
Other highlights include:
- Agricultural year-over-year employment was up 2,800 (7.5 per cent) for the ninth month of consecutive year-over-year gains;
- Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 1,500 (3.8 per cent) for three consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
- Aboriginal unemployment rate was 12 per cent, down from 14.5 per cent a year ago.
- Strong year-over-year employment growth in educational services up 5,300 (11.8 per cent); health care and social assistance up 5,300 (7.6 per cent); trade (wholesale and retail) up 5,100 (6.4 per cent); other services (R&M, personal and laundry services, religious, grant-making, civic and profession, etc. up 3,600 (15.4 per cent); and construction up 1,400 (3.3 per cent).
- Regina's employment was up by 8,300 (6.7 per cent), and Saskatoon's employment was up by 11,800 (8.0 per cent).
“The gains in agriculture jobs on a year-over-year basis is good news, and confirms the important contribution this sector makes to our overall economic growth,” Stewart said. “It’s another sign our economy is moving forward, creating jobs and solidifying the fact we are a destination of choice for those looking to build a positive future.”
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca