Released on May 7, 2010
Employment Up 8,900; Full-time Jobs Up 12,400
A strong increase in full-time employment led to a record-high number of people working in Saskatchewan for the month of April.
There were 521,700 people working in Saskatchewan in April, an increase of 8,900 over April 2009. Full-time employment increased by 12,400 during that same period.
Saskatchewan's unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) of 5.2 per cent is the second-lowest in Canada and well below the national unemployment rate of 8.1 per cent.
Premier Brad Wall said the new employment numbers are the latest sign of a strong and growing economy.
"Building permits, wholesale trade and business optimism all lead the country, and several forecasters say Saskatchewan will lead all provinces in economic growth in 2010," Wall said. "That growth is translating into new and better employment opportunities for Saskatchewan people."
Wall said much of the employment growth is in high-tech, high-paying jobs. There were 5,000 more people working in the category "Professional, Scientific and Technical Services" - the largest increase of any industry sector. The construction industry had the second largest increase - up 3,300 positions.
Regina (4.9 per cent) and Saskatoon (5.0 per cent) continue to fare well compared to other Canadian cities, with the second and third lowest unemployment rates in Canada, behind only Quebec City.
Wall said there are more employment opportunities continuing to be created in Saskatchewan.
"Our Saskjobs.ca website continues to play a vital role in bringing workers and employers together," Wall said. "With more than 6,300 jobs posted today, there are great opportunities available in every corner of the province."
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For more information, contact:
Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425