Released on April 4, 2014
Saskatchewan continues to have the lowest unemployment rate in Canada for the 15th consecutive month. At 4.5 per cent (seasonally adjusted), the Saskatchewan rate was well below the national average of 6.9 per cent.The Labour Force Survey released today by Statistics Canada also shows that the youth unemployment rate of 9.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted) is the lowest in the country and below the national rate of 13.6 per cent.
“Saskatchewan’s labour market remains strong, our unemployment rate remains low and we have plenty of hard working men and women taking advantage of the incredible opportunities,” Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Kevin Doherty said on behalf of Economy Minister Bill Boyd. “Today’s numbers are further proof that our economy remains strong.”
Employment reached a record high for the month of March with 522,000 people employed, and full-time employment a record high of 445,700. For 14 consecutive months, off-reserve Aboriginal employment has increased year-over-year, with 800 more people employed (1.9 per cent) in March 2014.
Since March 2009, construction jobs are up 41 per cent (13,500 new jobs); professional, scientific and technical jobs increased by 36 per cent (7,500 new jobs); and transportation and warehouse jobs grew by 17 per cent (4,100 new jobs).
“In last month’s budget, we committed new funding for post-secondary and skills training, and additional training seats that will help to engage more people in the Saskatchewan economy and continue bridging the gap between aboriginal and non-aboriginal people in the workforce,” Doherty said. “Job growth has increased year-over-year for 28 months in a row, our unemployment rates have remained low, and this is just the start of what looks like a great 2014 for Saskatchewan’s labour force.”
Other highlights include:
- Full-time employment increased by 300 and part-time increased by 4,200 year-over-year.
- Compared to March 2013, the largest industry employment gains were seen in utilities (48 per cent); transportation and warehousing (11.3 per cent); finance, insurance and real estate (8.5 per cent); and accommodation and food services (6.8 per cent).
- Regina's employment was up by 2,100 (1.6 per cent), and Saskatoon's employment was up by 5,400 (3.4 per cent) year-over-year.
- Regina's unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) was 3.7 per cent, down from 4.0 per cent in February. This was the lowest unemployment rate among all Census Metropolitan Areas.
- Private sector employment up 15,200 (5.1 per cent) from a year ago, for 10 months of year-over-year increases.
For more information, contact:
Shanna Schulhauser
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5582
Email: shanna.schulhauser@gov.sk.ca