Released on February 5, 2016
2016 began with Saskatchewan posting one of the strongest rates of year over year job growth in Canada.There were 5,200 more people working in Saskatchewan in January 2016 compared to January 2015. That's an employment growth rate of 0.9 per cent, third best in Canada and ahead of the national growth rate of 0.7 per cent. Six provinces lost jobs over the past year, including Alberta which lost 38,100 jobs and Manitoba which lost 7,900 jobs.
In January, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate was 5.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted), the lowest rate among the provinces and below the national average of 7.2 per cent.
For 27 of the last 28 months, Saskatchewan has maintained the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
“Saskatchewan has still managed to maintain the lowest unemployment rate for a considerable time – due in large part to our strong, diverse economy,” Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “We are seeing many employers still looking for workers, including K+S Potash who are looking to fill 100 jobs in various positions as they complete the Legacy mine project at Bethune.”
Record highs for the month of January include:
- Labour force – 599,900
- Employment – 563,400
- Female employment – 260,200
- Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance up 5,000; information, culture and recreation up 5,000; trade up 3,400; professional, scientific and technical services up 2,300.
- Regina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.3 per cent was the second lowest among major cities in Canada, and Saskatoon’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 6.1 per cent was 8th lowest.
- Youth unemployment rate was 10.7 per cent (seasonally adjusted), lowest among the provinces and below the national rate of 13.0 per cent.
For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca