A YEAR-LONG TREND – NUMBER OF EI RECIPIENTS HAS DROPPED ONCE AGAIN

The number of Saskatchewan people receiving regular Employment Insurance benefits has dropped for a 12th consecutive month. Saskatchewan also had the 2nd fewest claimants in Canada on a per capita basis at 1.4 per cent, well below the national average of 2.2 per cent.

There were 10,890 Saskatchewan people receiving regular EI benefits in March 2011, a year-over-year decrease of 1,890. Saskatchewan's 14.8 per cent decrease was the third best among the provinces - well ahead of the national average decrease of 9.9 per cent. On a month-over-month basis, Saskatchewan saw a drop of 190, or 1.7 per cent from February of this year.

"With the lowest unemployment rate in the country, one of the fastest growing economies in the country and a growing population, people around our province are realizing the Saskatchewan Advantage," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Workers and employers alike are finding quality opportunities right here at home."

Saskatchewan's largest cities showed strength in March. Regina saw a 26.8 per cent drop in EI recipients (unadjusted), while Saskatoon dropped by 20.4 per cent.

"While we are encouraged with the progress we've seen over the past year, we remain committed to working with those people who are affected by unemployment," Norris said. "Our Can-Sask Offices and Rapid Response Teams stand ready to provide assistance."

Norris also pointed to the growing number of opportunities on www.saskjobs.ca - a number that now stands at more than 8,700, as a sign of growing opportunity in the province.

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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