SASKATCHEWAN ENTERS 2011 WITH THE SECOND LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN CANADA

Record high employment for the month of December helped Saskatchewan close out the year with the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada. Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent is well below the national average of 7.6, according to Statistics Canada's Labour Force Survey.

December also marked Saskatchewan's 11th straight month of overall employment growth, the eighth straight month of employment growth for First Nations and Métis people and the fifth straight month of employment growth for First Nations and Métis youth.

"We've seen a record number of people working for the month of December, including strong private sector job creation and thousands of new jobs overall," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "I'm especially pleased to see our workforce become more inclusive, for example, increasing opportunities for First Nations and Métis workers who are participating in and benefitting from Saskatchewan's robust economy."

December highlights include:

• 522,800 people were employed in Saskatchewan in December 2010, an increase of than 4,200 compared to December 2009 - 11th straight month of growth.
• Employment among First Nations and Métis people rose 1,900 - eighth straight month of growth.
• Employment among First Nations and Métis youth rose 2,000, a 33.9 per cent increase - fifth straight month of growth.
• Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate of 5.5 per cent finished the year at the number two spot in Canada, well below the national rate of 7.6 per cent.
• Strong private sector job growth over the past 12 months, with 11,000 new jobs created.
• Regina continues to lead employment growth in the province, with a year-over-year increase of 8,600. Regina's unemployment rate of 4.6 per cent leads all Canadian cities, while Saskatoon ranked fourth at 5.6 per cent.

"Looking forward, with eight independent economic forecasters calling for Saskatchewan to lead the country in economic growth, there is good reason to be optimistic," Norris said. "Right now, there are more than 6,300 jobs available across the province on www.saskjobs.ca."

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For more information, contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca