ONTARIO JOB SEEKERS RUSHING TO SASKJOBS

Saskatchewan's message of "Big Opportunity" has made a big impression on job seekers in Ontario.

In each of the first two weeks of government's current marketing campaign for SaskJobs.ca, more than 7,000 Ontario residents visited the website - a 250 per cent increase over the weekly average for 2008.

"Saskatchewan's growing economy has created unprecedented opportunities for job seekers and investors across Canada and around the world," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "By telling our story outside our borders, we're ensuring that more people than ever are able to embrace those opportunities."

The campaign utilizes sophisticated targeting technology to reach online job seekers in Ontario - with spectacular results. Ontario users have opened the expandable ad more than 500,000 times. When compared to similar online ads, this represents an interaction rate that is 500 per cent greater than the industry standard. Additionally, the number of Ontario job seekers using the ads to link directly to SaskJobs exceeds the industry average by 250 per cent.

SaskJobs further demonstrated its popularity by reaching another milestone in record time. On June 18 - 170 days into 2008 - the site hosted its two millionth visitor of the year. This compares to 221 days in 2007.

"Our work to develop and attract an educated and skilled workforce is a critical component to meeting our talent challenge and sustaining our economic momentum," Norris said. "More people than ever are working in Saskatchewan - and earning more than ever before. This is a key sign that we are on the right track."

Government's current marketing activities include billboards, radio spots and web-based ads running in Ontario, Alberta and Manitoba. The campaign runs from May 30 to June 27, 2008.

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For more information, contact:

Chris Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-531-4904