CLAVET — Advanced Education Minister Ken Cheveldayoff recognized the efforts made by small and medium-sized businesses in job growth in the province, including those in the mining and infrastructure development sectors.
Cheveldayoff on Friday, Aug. 8, said businesses like the KPCL Construction Ltd. have significantly contributed to the increase of Saskatchewan’s labour force, with the province experiencing one of the highest job growth numbers in the country.
“This is just one indicator of our province having the strongest economy in the nation. We continue to have one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country at five per cent, well below the national average of 6.9 per cent,” he said.
“Saskatchewan employers like KCPL lead the nation by creating 22,200 good full-time mortgage-paying jobs in July. And our two biggest cities are experiencing significant growth with Saskatoon and Regina adding 4,300 jobs and 5,600 jobs last month.”
Cheveldayoff announced the city’s unemployment numbers at the KPCL Dirt Movers maintenance facility, which is about 20 minutes southeast of Saskatoon. He said that the 15 per cent increase in employment numbers is the second lowest among major Canadian cities.
Companies like KPCL, which operates in the mining and infrastructure development sectors, contributed a significant portion of this growth. Construction jobs increased in the city last month, as housing development continues along with road and bridge repairs.
Cheveldayoff said businesses like KPCL provide jobs that can pay mortgages, raise families, and keep young professionals in Saskatchewan. Most of KPCL’s employees live in surrounding communities, including Saskatoon and Clavet, showing the benefits of local investments.
The Saskatoon Willowgrove MLA added that the province’s mining sector is ranked at the top in the country in terms of investment attractiveness, based on the annual survey released by the Fraser Institute of mining companies.
“It's businesses like KPCL Dirt Movers that support the impressive growth seen in our construction and mining sectors in Saskatchewan. It's a real Saskatchewan success story. This is something that we are very proud of in the government,” said Cheveldayoff.
“The credit has to go to the mining sector and those that service the mining sector in the province as well. These show we are looking toward industry leaders like KPCL to create jobs, to build community, and to help pave the way for Saskatchewan of today and tomorrow.”
He added that the government is also investing in access to post-secondary education training, skill development, and apprenticeship programs, which would help Saskatchewan people acquire the skills needed to fill the labour force required by businesses like KPCL Dirt Movers.
“Our government is here to support employers as we experience this growth and ensure that Saskatchewan people have the first opportunity to benefit from the jobs being created. Building the workforce for a growing economy is the Saskatchewan labour market strategy to ensure our province has the workforce we need now and into the future,” said Cheveldayoff.
