SASKATCHEWAN EMPLOYMENT REACHES RECORD HIGH FOR DECEMBER

The number of people employed in Saskatchewan in December 2011 was 523,500, a record for the month of December. Year-over-year, Saskatchewan saw an increase of 3,100 jobs.

Saskatchewan's unemployment rate moved to 5.2 per cent, the second lowest in the country behind Alberta (4.9 per cent) and well below the national average of 7.5 per cent.

Regina's unemployment rate of 3.8 per cent was the lowest in the country and Saskatoon's (5.4 per cent) was fifth lowest.

There have been strong employment gains in Saskatchewan's two major cities with 4,300 more jobs in Regina (year-over-year) and Saskatoon showing an increase of 2,600 jobs (year-over-year).

"There are many job opportunities for people who want to live and work in Saskatchewan," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With record employment in December and an all-time high in population, Saskatchewan's strong and steady economy is poised to lead the nation in growth."

Off-reserve Aboriginal employment experienced growth of 5,000 jobs (14 per cent) for the seventh consecutive month of gains year-over-year. Aboriginal youth employment also increased by 400 jobs (4.7 per cent). There are currently more than 8,400 jobs posted on the Saskjobs.ca website.

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For more information, contact:

Marieka Andrew
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3170