January hits employment high

Saskatchewan reached record highs for the month of January with 520,600 people employed including 419,900 full-time jobs.

"Saskatchewan's economy is a leader in Canada," Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris said. "With strong growth in Aboriginal and youth employment, Saskatchewan continues to be a great place to live and work."

Off-reserve Aboriginal employment experienced year-over-year growth of 6,200 jobs (18 per cent) for the eighth consecutive month of gains.

Aboriginal youth employment also increased year-over-year by 1,400 jobs (17.3 per cent) for the third consecutive month. Youth employment overall also increased by 4,300 jobs (5.5 per cent).

Saskatchewan is continuing to see growth in the major cities with 4,400 more jobs in Regina (year-over-year) and Saskatoon showing an increase of 2,900 jobs (year-over-year). Regina's unemployment rate of 4.4 per cent was again the lowest in the country.

Saskatchewan's 5.0 per cent unemployment rate remains the second lowest in the country behind Alberta (4.9 per cent) and well below the national average of 7.6 per cent.

"Even with record numbers of people working, more opportunities are available," Norris said. "This morning, the SaskJobs.ca website has more than 10,300 job vacancies posted in every part of the province."