Released on February 5, 2010
Saskatchewan's January unemployment rate of 4.7 per cent (seasonally adjusted) is once again the lowest in Canada - well below the national rate of 8.3 per cent. Saskatchewan has now held the lowest rate in Canada for eight months.
"While we still have work to do, Saskatchewan's economy is showing resilience and promise," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Our unemployment rate is the lowest in Canada, our population is higher than ever and Saskatchewan workers are earning more than ever."
There were 511,000 people working in Saskatchewan in January, a decrease of 1,600 compared to January 2009. Despite the decrease, full-time employment saw an increase of 7,200 over the past year.
Saskatoon and Regina (tied at 4.8 per cent) hold the second lowest unemployment rates among major Canadian cities (behind Quebec City at 4.5 per cent). Saskatoon saw an increase of 2,700 jobs over last year.
Norris pointed to the more than 6,000 vacancies currently on SaskJobs.ca as a sign that Saskatchewan is the place to be in Canada for skilled workers looking for employment.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106