NUMBER OF EI RECIPIENTS DROPS MORE THAN 16 PER CENT

The number of Saskatchewan people receiving Employment Insurance decreased by 2,110 in April 2011, compared to the same month in 2010 (seasonally adjusted). This improvement marks the 13th consecutive month of year-over-year decreases.

Saskatchewan's 16.4 per cent drop was the third largest decrease in Canada, exceeding the national average decrease of 11.3 per cent. In total April saw 10,780 Saskatchewan people receiving regular EI benefits.

Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said that the drop in EI recipients is another indication that Saskatchewan residents are benefitting from economic growth.

"Saskatchewan has had the lowest unemployment rate in Canada for three straight months, and with six of nine major economic forecasters expecting Saskatchewan to lead Canada in economic growth this year, we look for even greater opportunity on the horizon," Norris said.

When expressed as a percentage of the total labour force population, Saskatchewan has the second fewest number of people receiving EI benefits in Canada at 1.4 per cent (tied with Manitoba). Alberta is the lowest at 1.3 per cent.

Norris added that with more than 8,600 jobs available today on www.saskjobs.ca, opportunities are available in every corner of 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