Jobs in Saskatchewan show that the province is remaining resilient in the face of economic challenges, with an unemployment rate which is the lowest among all provinces.
The latest numbers from Statistics Canada's labour force show that 19,800 jobs were added year over year in March, giving the province a nation-leading 3.4 per cent job growth rate. The province also boasted the lowest unemployment rate, at 4.9 per cent, which is below the national average of 6.7 percent.
"Saskatchewan continues to have one of the strongest labour markets in Canada," said Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Reiter. "Our government has made Saskatchewan the first carbon tax-free province in Canada, which will ensure that we remain the most attractive jurisdiction in the nation for businesses looking to create jobs and opportunities for our residents."
Other encouraging year-over-year statistics included full-time employment increasing by 5,400, or by 1.1 per cent. More women are also working in Saskatchewan than ever before, with an all-time high of 287,000. Female employment is up 11,300, representing a 4.1 per cent increase, and male employment is up 8,400, a 2.7 per cent increase.
Regionally, the southeast, represented by the Regina-Moose Mountain Economic Region, performed well with a drop in unemployment from 6.2 per cent in February to 5.5 per cent in March. Job gains were seen in both Regina and other areas in the southeast.
By industry, some of the major gains year-over-year included 8,700 jobs in construction, 8,100 jobs in healthcare, and 4,900 jobs in education.