ANOTHER DECREASE IN SASKATCHEWAN EI BENEFICIARIES YEAR TO YEAR

Saskatchewan has recorded another significant decline year-over-year in the number of people receiving Employment Insurance (EI) benefits.

In May 2010, there were 12,790 EI beneficiaries receiving regular EI benefits in Saskatchewan, a decrease of 1,330 or 9.4 per cent from May 2009.

"These numbers show that Saskatchewan's economic recovery continues to move forward," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "I'm encouraged because last month we set an all-time record for employment while chalking up the second lowest unemployment rate in the country."

On a per capita basis, Saskatchewan has the second fewest number of people receiving EI benefits in Canada at 2 per cent. Alberta has the lowest at 1.9 per cent.

"Even though the trends are encouraging, we are quite aware of the economic challenges faced by employers and workers," Norris said. "We continue to provide support training and new career options through our Canada-Saskatchewan Rapid Response Teams."

"It is also worth noting that with more than 6,100 jobs posted this morning on www.saskjobs.ca, there are many employment possibilities around the province," Norris said.

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For more information, contact:

Bill Stovin
Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0926
Email: bill.stovin@gov.sk.ca