SASKATCHEWAN’S WEEKLY EARNINGS SECOND HIGHEST IN CANADA

Saskatchewan's average wages are the second highest in the country for the first time since records have been recorded and, for the first time, passed Ontario in weekly earnings. Average weekly earnings were $906.22 in September 2011, the second highest among all provinces, behind Alberta, and above the national average of $872.75.

"Saskatchewan continues to offer competitive wages for its workers in comparison with the rest of Canada," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "The fact that our average weekly earnings are second highest in the country speaks to our strong economy and why this is a great time to be working in Saskatchewan."

Today's figures on average weekly earnings were released by Statistics Canada. Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings increased by 6.9 per cent compared to September 2010, the highest increase among all provinces and higher than the national increase of 1.1 per cent.

Over this period, Saskatchewan's real wage rate (adjusted for inflation) increased by 3.5 per cent, compared to a national decrease of 2.1 per cent. Earnings were also up from the previous month, with a 2.4 per cent increase compared to 0.3 per cent decline nationally.

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For more information, contact:

Hayley Woodworth
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3716