Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate lowest in Canada

Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate (seasonally adjusted) of 5.0 per cent is the lowest in Canada and well below the national unemployment rate of 8.1 per cent, according to today’s Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey.

There were 534,100 people working in Saskatchewan in May 2010, an increase of 4,000 over May 2009, and a record for that month. That increase was fueled by a jump in full-time employment of 5,400.

"Earlier this week, RBC joined a chorus of economic forecasters who have suggested Saskatchewan will be an economic leader in Canada," Premier Brad Wall said. "Add to that record employment, record earnings for workers and a record high population, and it is easy to understand the positive outlook across our province."

Wall pointed to Saskatchewan’s knowledge economy as key generator of high-quality, high-paying jobs and a key contributor to the province’s economic success.

The category "Professional, Scientific and Technical Services" was once again a bright spot for Saskatchewan workers, with a year-over-year employment jump of 2,300 (10 per cent).

Among major cities, Regina (4.8 per cent) and Saskatoon (5.3 per cent) have the lowest and second lowest unemployment rates in Canada. Of note, Saskatoon saw employment growth of 3,300 over the past year.