Released on May 23, 2013
The number of people collecting employment insurance benefits in the province dropped by 9.8 per cent year-over-year in March, for the fourth consecutive monthly decrease. A Statistics Canada report released today also showed initial and renewal claims were down, falling 8.5 per cent over the same time last year and ranking Saskatchewan first among the provinces.
“Saskatchewan is getting used to seeing records when it comes to our employment insurance levels and unemployment rate, and we have our strong economy to thank for that,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “Economic activity in this province is allowing businesses to grow and expand, creating jobs and providing opportunities for all people to obtain gainful employment.”
Between February 2013 and March 2013 (seasonally adjusted), the number of EI claims dropped 0.6 per cent, compared to an increase of 3.0 per cent nationally. The number of regular EI beneficiaries also fell during this same period, down 3.1 per cent.
“This is another indicator that Saskatchewan is an economic powerhouse,” Boyd said. “More people are working in this province and we expect the momentum to continue throughout the year and beyond.”
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For more information, contact:
Shanna Schulhauser
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: shanna.schulhauser@gov.sk.ca