The provincial government is celebrating as some new statistics show that Saskatchewan's labour numbers did very well in 2024.
From Statistics Canada's data, they found that Saskatchewan created 14,000 jobs over the year. The province also had the third-lowest unemployment rate, coming in at 5.5 per cent compared to the national average of 6.7 per cent.
In total 606,200 people were employed in Saskatchewan over 2024, which is an all-time record high for the province.
"Saskatchewan is experiencing significant job growth, which is a direct result of the confidence job creators have in our economy," Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter said. "The opportunities being created by a strong economy means more people are living and working in Saskatchewan than ever before. That is why we are focused on growing access to health care and educational spaces for Saskatchewan people to ensure that our province remains the best place to live, work and raise a family in Canada."
In the final month of 2024, the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate was 5.9 per cent, well-below the national average of 6.7 per cent. December also saw the province add 11,600 new jobs year-over-year.
Female employment also reached an all-time high of 286,600 in December, with year-over-year female employment up 8,800 for an increase of 3.2 per cent and male employment up by 2,800 for an increase of 0.9 per cent.
Major year-over-year job gains were reported in health care and social assistance, up 11,200 or 12.7 per cent, along with construction, which saw a gain of 6,000 or 14.3 per cent. Additionally, forestry, fishing, mining, oil and gas saw a gain of 2,500 or 12.1 per cent.