Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate dropped to 5.4 per cent in January, tying with Quebec for the lowest in Canada, as the province added nearly 10,000 jobs over the past year. However, southeastern Saskatchewan saw job losses, and a decline in the labour force contributed to the province’s lower unemployment rate, according to Statistics Canada.
The provincial unemployment rate fell from six per cent the previous month and remained well below the national average of 6.6 per cent. Saskatchewan added 9,900 jobs compared to January 2024.
Despite the overall job growth, southeastern Saskatchewan saw unemployment rise in January. The province’s unemployment rate fell even though employment declined by 1,600 jobs, largely because 6,100 individuals left the labour force, which affects how the rate is calculated.
Throughout the province, full-time employment increased by 3,000 jobs year over year, a 0.6 per cent rise. Female employment grew by 4,300 jobs (1.5 per cent), while male employment rose by 5,400 jobs (1.7 per cent).
The largest job gains province-wide were in construction, which added 6,300 jobs (up 16.6 per cent), and agriculture, which grew by 3,500 jobs (up 15.3 per cent).
“Saskatchewan regularly has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the nation as our economy continues to create jobs and opportunities,” said Deputy Premier and Immigration and Career Training Minister Jim Reiter. “Our government is committed to ensuring that Saskatchewan continues to grow, which is why we are focused on expanding health care and education access while taking action to make life more affordable for Saskatchewan people.”