JOB NUMBERS JUMP DRAMATICALLY

Released on June 7, 2002

Saskatchewan's job numbers jumped dramatically in May, posting an 11,100

gain over May of last year.



Statistics Canada figures released today show 486,100 people were employed

in the province last month (seasonally unadjusted). That's the second

highest number on record for the month of May.



Even agriculture, a sector that has struggled in the past few years, showed

an increase of 1,000 jobs May over May.



"Today's numbers are great news for an economy that has had its challenges,

but which is fundamentally strong and resilient," Industry and Resources

Minister Eldon Lautermilch said. "This jump in jobs may be a sign of a

return to the years of solid job growth Saskatchewan enjoyed before our

agriculture challenges of the last year."



Besides agriculture, job numbers increased in construction, services,

retail and wholesale trade, and finance, insurance and real estate. Other

economic indicators were also up, with retail and department store sales,

new motor vehicle sales, urban housing starts, new business incorporations,

residential building permit values and natural gas production all showing

increases.



Lautermilch said Saskatchewan employers surveyed are expressing confidence

in the province's economy. National staffing company Manpower Inc.

released a survey in May showing 84 per cent of Regina employers and 89 per

cent of Saskatoon employers surveyed expect their staffing levels to

increase or stay the same in the next quarter.



Saskatchewan had the third lowest unemployment rate in Canada at 6.2 per

cent in May (seasonally unadjusted), down 0.2 percentage points from last

year, and well below the national rate of 7.8 per cent.



"Job numbers will fluctuate from month to month, but today's figures are

indicative of an economy that continues to branch out and move into more

value-added industries," Lautermilch said. "Working with Saskatchewan

businesses and communities, we will continue on our diversification course,

and on our program of investments in key infrastructure, sustainable tax

cuts and sound fiscal management. Those efforts are leading to new

opportunities, more jobs and a true partnership for prosperity for

Saskatchewan people."



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For more information, contact:



Bob Ellis

Industry and Resources

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1691