TWELVE MONTHS OF YEAR-OVER-YEAR EMPLOYMENT GAINS

Saskatchewan job numbers hit a record high of 540,000 people for the month of November, according to the Labour Force survey released by Statistics Canada today. There were 15,800 more people working in the province compared to a year ago. Full-time employment also reached a record high of 443,500 for the month of November.

"Reaching record levels of employment is an important milestone and it confirms that our economy is on a solid footing," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "The rise in jobs is very good news, and is vital to supporting our economic momentum."

Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 4.5 per cent was the second lowest in the country. Nationally, the unemployment rate was at 7.2 per cent.

Other highlights include:

• Saskatchewan's growth rate of 3.0 per cent was the second highest among the provinces;
• Full-time and part-time jobs each increased by 7,900;
• The goods producing sector was a key contributor to strong employment growth with gains in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, forestry, mining, oil and gas, and utilities;
• Regina's employment was up by 1,500 (1.2 per cent) for 31 months of year-over-year gains, and Saskatoon's employment was up by 6,900 (4.8 per cent) for 13 months of year-over-year gains;
• Regina's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 4.0 per cent, the lowest rate among all Canadian major cities; and
• The seasonally adjusted youth unemployment rate was 10.0 per cent, the second lowest among the provinces.

"As our economy grows we are seeing spin off benefits that include more jobs," Boyd said. "As we look to the future, we'll continue to connect employers with job seekers, provide the skills and training to meet workforce needs, and in doing so, build a strong and prosperous Saskatchewan."

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4765
Email: deb.young@gov.sk.ca