Released on May 9, 2014
Saskatchewan’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 3.4 per cent in April 2014 – the lowest ever recorded since Statistics Canada started collecting labour market data in 1976. April also marked the 16th consecutive month that the province has had the lowest unemployment rate in the country.Saskatchewan’s 3.4 per cent unemployment rate is less than half the national rate of 6.9 per cent.
“Reaching the lowest unemployment rate ever is a milestone,” Energy and Resources Minister Tim McMillan said. “This is due in large part to our strong economy and the number of job opportunities available in Saskatchewan.”
Overall employment is up 8,500 or 1.5 per cent year-over-year, the second-best growth rate in Canada. Alberta was up 3.3 per cent, while five provinces lost jobs year-over-year.
“Our private sector is leading the way creating opportunities for everyone,” McMillan said. “We once again have the lowest youth unemployment rate in the country and continue to see gains in Aboriginal employment.”
Other highlights include:
- Regina's unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) was 3.4 per cent, down from 3.7 per cent in March and down from 3.5 per cent a year ago. Saskatoon's unemployment rate was 4.4 per cent, down from 4.6 per cent in March 2014.
- Regina's unemployment rate was the lowest and Saskatoon's unemployment rate was the second lowest, among major cities in Canada.
- By sector, the most jobs were created in construction (+5,500), manufacturing (+3,700), agriculture (+3,700), information, culture and recreation (+2,800) and resources (+2,700).
- Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 800 (2.0 per cent) for 15 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. Aboriginal youth employment was up by 600 (7.2 per cent) for 11 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. Aboriginal unemployment was 11.3 per cent in April, down from 12.0 per cent last year.
For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca