SASKATCHEWAN STANDS ALONE WITH THE LOWEST PER CAPITA NUMBER OF EI BENEFICIARIES IN CANADA

Saskatchewan has fewer EI beneficiaries per capita than any other province following a 5.3 per cent decrease in EI beneficiaries month over month.

An estimated 13,010 Saskatchewan individuals received regular EI benefits in August 2009, a decrease of 730 (-5.3 per cent) from July 2009. That drop was the third largest in Canada (behind Newfoundland and Labrador and Ontario), exceeding the national average decline of 2.4 per cent.

"We know that Saskatchewan has been affected by the global recession," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "Despite those effects, Saskatchewan is entering into the recovery with the lowest unemployment rate and the fewest per capita EI beneficiaries in the nation."

On a year over year basis, the number of regular Employment Insurance beneficiaries benefits in Saskatchewan increased by 4,170 (47.2 per cent) compared to August 2008. Saskatchewan remains below the national average of 56.5 per cent. All jurisdictions recorded a percentage increase.

"Our new Canada-Saskatchewan Rapid Response Teams are working with employers and workers to provide key programs and services that support training and development of our workers," Norris said. "Of note, the teams have assisted more than 1,300 workers enter the federal work sharing program, providing them with partial access to Employment Insurance benefits and allowing them to remain employed."

Norris also pointed to the more than 5,900 vacancies currently listed on saskjobs.ca as a sign that opportunities are still available.

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For more information, contact:

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