SASKATCHEWAN CONTINUES TO HAVE THE SECOND LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE COUNTRY

Regina Has Lowest Unemployment Rate of Any Canadian City

Saskatchewan remains in a strong overall employment position, with a seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent for February, tied with Alberta for second in the country and well below the national rate of 7.8 per cent.

February also saw year-over-year growth in full-time employment (up 2,400) and private sector employment (up 5,200). Regina continues to be a hot spot for job creation, with an employment increase of 5,000. Regina (5.1 per cent) and Saskatoon (5.5 per cent) have the lowest and third lowest unemployment rates among major Canadian cities.

There were 515,700 people working in Saskatchewan in February 2011. Employment for First Nations and Métis people continued its upward trend, with an increase of 700 over the same month last year. February marks ten consecutive months of year-over-year employment growth for First Nations and Métis people. Employment for First Nations and Métis youth was up by 1,700, or 26.2 per cent, marking seven consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

"Saskatchewan remains in a position of strength, with forecasters calling for our province to lead the way in economic and employment growth this year," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Earlier this week, Manpower Canada's second quarter employment survey showed employers in Saskatoon (first) and Regina (second) leading the nation in hiring intentions over the next three months.

"Our government will continue to take action to maintain Saskatchewan's competitive advantage and keep our economy growing strong," Norris said. "More of these actions will be announced in less than two weeks when we release the 2011-12 provincial budget."

Norris added that with almost 8,000 jobs available right now on www.saskjobs.ca, opportunities are available in every corner of the province.

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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