Released on June 10, 2016
In May 2016, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) was 6.0 per cent, down from 6.3 per cent in the previous month. Saskatchewan's unemployment rate is now second lowest among the provinces and lower than the national unemployment rate of 6.9 per cent.There were 577,800 people employed in Saskatchewan in May 2016, down 4,900 from May 2015. However, there were 2,200 more people working in Saskatchewan in May than in April (seasonally adjusted), suggesting that the employment market, which has been hit hard by the downturn in the resource sector, may be stabilizing.
“Resource sector challenges have hit Saskatchewan’s labour market,” Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “However, we are optimistic as forecasters predict our economy will begin to recover in the coming year. In last week’s budget we made the choice to control spending, invest in people, and invest in infrastructure in order to keep Saskatchewan strong as our economy begins to recover from low resource prices.”
Other May 2016 highlights include:
- Major year-over-year gains were reported for trade, up 6,600; professional, scientific and technical services, up 4,000; information, culture and recreation, up 3,200.
- Regina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate (5.4 per cent) was the third lowest, among major cities in Canada. Youth unemployment rate was 11.6 per cent (seasonally adjusted), third lowest among the provinces and below the national rate of 13.3 per cent.
For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca