Released on August 6, 2010
Unemployment Rate Lowest in Canada
Saskatchewan has set an employment record for the sixth consecutive month and once again enjoys the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
There were 532,100 people working in Saskatchewan in July 2010 - 5,800 more than the same month last year and the most ever for the month of July. More than 90 per cent of this increase was made up of full-time jobs, which grew by 5,300 over the same time period.
Saskatchewan's seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate of 5.1 per cent is the lowest in Canada and well below the national average of 8 per cent.
"With record employment, record earnings and record population growth, Saskatchewan's economy continues to move forward," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "More importantly, we see continued employment opportunities both for Saskatchewan people and for newcomers to our province."
Regina has the lowest unemployment rate among major Canadian cities at 4.8 per cent while Saskatoon is third-lowest at 5.5 per cent. Regina saw a year-over-year employment increase of 2,800. There was also strong growth in the Yorkton-Melville region, which saw an increase of 2,100 new jobs.
As well, Norris indicated Aboriginal employment increased in July by 600 year over year.
"July marks is the third consecutive month of employment growth for Aboriginal peoples," Norris said. "While we are making progress in this area, we know that more needs to be done to help First Nations and Métis people become fully engaged in our economy."
Norris also noted a strong July for the saskjobs.ca website, which saw a 6.5 per cent year over year increase in job postings.
"With more than 6,100 jobs posted today on saskjobs.ca, opportunities are still available in every corner of the province," Norris said.
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For more information, contact:
Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-531-4904