Unemployment rate drops for third straight month

In January 2017, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate dropped from 6.6 per cent in December to 6.4 per cent in January (seasonally adjusted).

Saskatchewan had the fourth lowest unemployment rate among the provinces.

There were 558,600 people employed in January 2017, 4,800 fewer than in January 2016.

“Our unemployment rate has dropped for the third consecutive month, however our economy continues to feel the impact of low resource prices,” Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Although the overall number of Saskatchewan people employed has decreased over the past year, there are positives including increased employment for off-reserve aboriginals, and increases in the trade, technical and transportation sectors.”

Other January 2017 highlights include:

Major year-over-year gains were reported for trade, up 6,000; professional, scientific and technical services up 4,800; and transportation and warehousing up 1,300.

Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up 4,300 for seven consecutive months of year-over-year increases. Aboriginal youth employment was up 1,100 for nine consecutive months of year-over-year increases.

Youth unemployment rate was 11.0 per cent (seasonally adjusted), third lowest among the provinces.