SASKATCHEWAN SETS NEW HIGHS FOR FEBRUARY EMPLOYMENT

Employment in Saskatchewan rose to a record high for the month of February with 521,800 employed, as the number of people working grew by 6,100 compared to a year ago.

The province also set new highs for the month in full-time jobs and the size of its labour force, according to today's report from Statistics Canada.

"This is another sign of Saskatchewan's steady economic performance," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "I'm encouraged by these strong numbers and by the optimism of Saskatchewan's small business owners in the year ahead."

Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 5,900 (17.4 per cent) for nine consecutive months of year-over-year increases while Aboriginal youth employment was up by 1,400 (17.1 per cent) for four consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

Saskatchewan's unemployment rate in February was 5.0 per cent, tied with Alberta for the lowest in the country, and well below the national unemployment rate of 7.4 per cent. Regina's unemployment rate of 4.4 per cent was the lowest among major Canadian cities. Saskatoon's unemployment rate was 6.0 per cent.

Career opportunities in Saskatchewan have attracted much interest in connection with the province's job recruitment mission to Ireland. More than 7,300 unique visitors have connected with a special website www.Ireland.thinksask.ca, set up just weeks ago.

"We are working closely with employers to meet Saskatchewan's labour market needs," Norris said. "Our strategy includes record investment in post-secondary education and skills training with significant support for First Nations and Métis people as well as the recruitment and retention of skilled labour in Canada and abroad."

On Monday March 5, there were 46,060 visits to www.SaskJobs.ca - an all-time record. Today, 10,805 job vacancies are listed on the website.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926