November 06, 2015

Saskatchewan Economy Continues to Create Jobs

In October 2015, there were 580,000 people working in Saskatchewan, a record high for the month of October according to Statistics Canada.

“Saskatchewan’s diversified economy has weathered low oil prices better than other energy producing provinces,” Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.  “We have the second lowest unemployment rate in Canada thanks to our diversified economy that continues to create jobs in other sectors.”

Month-over-month, employment was up 1,400 (0.2 per cent) from September to October 2015 (seasonally adjusted).

The unemployment rate in Saskatchewan was 5.6 per cent in October 2015, the second lowest among the provinces on a seasonally adjusted basis.  Nationally, the unemployment rate was 7.0 per cent.

Other highlights include:

  • There were 580,000 people employed, an increase of 600 jobs compared to October 2014.
  • Female employment up 1,200 (+0.5 per cent).
  • Major year-over-year industry gains were reported for information, culture and recreation up 5,000; health care and social assistance up 4,900; and trade up 2,800.
  • Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up 1,000 (+2.3 per cent) for eight consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
  • The youth unemployment rate was 11.0 per cent (seasonally adjusted), second lowest among the provinces, and below the national rate of 13.3 per cent.