Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in November was 5.6 per cent, well below the national average of 6.8 per cent, according to the latest labour force figures from Statistics Canada.
The province added 8,400 jobs year-over-year last month, with full-time employment rising by 5,900 positions, an increase of 1.2 per cent. Female employment grew by 4,600 jobs (1.7 per cent), while male employment was up 3,700 (1.2 per cent).
Health care and social assistance saw significant growth, with 11,700 new jobs, a 13.5 per cent increase. Accommodation and food services added 4,100 jobs, up 13.6 per cent, while forestry, fishing, and oil and gas sectors added 2,800 jobs, marking a 14.1 per cent rise.
"Saskatchewan's economy remains strong, with 8,400 jobs added and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada," said Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter. "Opportunities provided by our growing economy and measures passed to ensure that the province remains the most affordable place to live, work and raise a family in Canada."
Other indicators also pointed to economic growth. International merchandise exports in October increased by 21.7 per cent compared to September, the highest growth among provinces. Urban housing starts rose 25.4 per cent year-over-year, ranking fourth nationally.
Saskatchewan’s GDP reached $77.9 billion in 2023, a 2.3 per cent increase from 2022. The value of building permits in September grew 27.1 per cent compared to the same month last year, also the fourth-highest among provinces.
The provincial government highlighted its labour market and investment strategies, including Building the Workforce for a Growing Economy and Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. These plans aim to support workforce growth and achieve the province’s goal of $16 billion in private capital investment annually.