ANOTHER LARGE DROP IN EI RECIPIENTS

The number of Saskatchewan people receiving Employment Insurance took another significant drop in May, decreasing by 2,310 compared to same month last year (seasonally adjusted). This is the 14th consecutive month of year-over-year decreases.

May 2011 saw 10,520 beneficiaries receiving regular EI benefits in Saskatchewan. The province's year-over-year decrease of 18.0 per cent was above the national average decline of 15.1 per cent.

"The continuing drop in EI beneficiaries is a positive sign for Saskatchewan people," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and excellent prospects for economic growth, we look forward to even more opportunities in the coming months and years."

When expressed as a percentage of the total labour force population, Saskatchewan has the second fewest number of people receiving EI benefits in Canada at 1.3 per cent. Alberta is the lowest at 1.1 per cent.

"While we are pleased to see another drop in EI beneficiaries, we also realize there is more work to do," Norris said. "A vital aspect of that work is to ensure that more Saskatchewan people are in a position to seize the opportunities generated by economic growth."

Norris added that with more than 8,500 jobs available today on www.saskjobs.ca, many opportunities are available in communities across the province.

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For more information, contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk
AEEI
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca