In September, Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate was 5.1 per cent (seasonally adjusted), marking two consecutive years the province has had the lowest unemployment rate among the provinces. The national unemployment rate in September stood at 7.1 per cent.
“Last week we had record population numbers, and today’s job numbers show we have had the lowest unemployment rate for two straight years – both positive indicators for our economy,” Immigration, Jobs, Skills and Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said.”
There were 579,400 people working in the province in September 2015, a record for the month. Employment was up 1,400 over September 2014.
Month-over-month, there were 3,200 more people working in September when compared to August (seasonally adjusted). That’s a 0.6 per cent increase, tied for third highest percentage increase among the provinces. Nationally, jobs were up 0.1 per cent.
“The job gains in private sector employment points to a confident business community which is hiring and making investments right across the province,” Harrison said. “Overall, the labour market is in good shape, and that will help to create more opportunities for working men and women today and in the future.”
Other highlights include:
- Private sector employment was up 14,200 (up 4.4 per cent) from a year ago for the fourth consecutive month of year-over-year increases.
- Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance up 6,900; information, culture and recreation up 5,600; accommodation and food services up 3,300.
- Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up 1,300 (+3.0 per cent) for seven consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
- Youth unemployment rate was 8.7 percent (seasonally adjusted), lowest among the provinces, and below the national rate of 13.5 per cent.
