Released on January 6, 2017
Saskatchewan recorded a 6.5 per cent unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) in December 2016, down from 6.8 per cent in November 2016. There were 563,000 people employed in the province in December 2016. Year-over-year, there was a decrease of 7,900 jobs.Over the same period, Alberta recorded a loss of 17,300 jobs, while Newfoundland and Labrador recorded a loss of 5,700 jobs. All three oil producing provinces recorded the highest job losses in Canada.
“We are pleased to see the unemployment rate drop for the second consecutive month,” Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “It should be noted that the largest job losses recorded in 2016 were in the three oil producing provinces. This clearly indicates now is not the time for a job-killing carbon tax.”
Saskatchewan had the fourth lowest unemployment rate in the country, below the national average of 6.9 per cent (seasonally adjusted).
Other December 2016 highlights include:
- Major year-over-year gains were reported for trade up 5,200; professional, scientific and technical services up 4,500; public administration up 2,300.
- Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up 4,600 for six consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
- Saskatchewan’s youth unemployment rate was 10.3 per cent (seasonally adjusted), second lowest among the provinces, behind British Columbia (8.5 per cent), and below the national rate of 12.6 per cent.
- Aboriginal youth employment was up 1,500 for eight consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca