SASKATCHEWAN WITH LOWEST UNEMPLOYMENT RATE IN THE COUNTRY

Saskatchewan's unemployment rate in March 2012 was 4.8 per cent, down from 5.0 per cent in February. The province's jobless rate was the lowest in the country and well below the national unemployment rate of 7.2 per cent.

Regina's unemployment rate of 3.9 per cent was lowest among major Canadian cities while Saskatoon at 5.9 per cent was ninth lowest.

"With these positive job numbers, a growing population and record high earnings for workers, we are continuing to build momentum for the rest of the year," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "Confidence in our economy is strong. More Saskatchewan businesses are looking to hire new workers immediately and in the long term."

Norris is attending the National Job Fair in Toronto in support of 26 Saskatchewan-based employers and organizations. They plan to recruit more than 500 workers at the event.

Other highlights from the monthly job report include:

• An increase of 5,200 jobs in March compared to a year ago. Employment of 522,000 is a record high for the month of March.
• Full-time employment increased by 9,100 for 11 months of year-over-year gains. Total full-time employment of 425,600 was a new high for the month of March.
• Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 4,700 (13.7 per cent) for 10 consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
• Aboriginal youth employment was up by 800 (9.2 per cent) to 9,500 for five consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

"With more than 12,800 jobs listed on www.saskjobs.ca, there are many employment opportunities currently available across Saskatchewan," Norris said.

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For more information, contact:

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