As Saskatchewan continues to lead Canada's employment numbers, our region has the lowest unemployment in the country.
Rosetown-Delisle MLA and Deputy Premier Jim Reiter spoke about the nation leading 2.4% seasonally unadjusted unemployment rate for Swift Current-Moose Jaw in July.
"I think it's a number of things," said Reiter, who is also Minister of Finance, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, and Minister of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety. "You've got some great entrepreneurs in your area that have been starting businesses or expanding businesses. The economy as a whole across the province has been very good, and you know we're fortunate and we're pleased to see that.
"We're always worried about the facts that the tariffs, for example, could have, but so far it hasn't had a huge impact on Saskatchewan."
Saskatchewan's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate also led the country at 5% in July.
"We're very pleased with these numbers," Reiter said. "Strongest economy in the country right now, lowest unemployment rate. That's usually the key figure. Our economy has been at or near the top for quite some time now. We've been working for years to try to make sure that we're attractive for investment, for businesses to start here.
"It's not just the large projects either. Small businesses have been incredibly successful. So we want to keep building on that."
The province is also working on making sure the labour force is large enough there won't be any shortage of workers.
"That's always a concern," Reiter said. "I've had a number of meetings over the summer with business leaders from across the province and that frequently comes up as a concern. We're certainly doing our best to play our part to address that with career training. Typically economists say that right around 5% is considered full employment because you've got some folks in transition, that sort of thing. So that's always a concern. But I think we're positioned pretty well."
July's employment numbers included all-time highs for Saskatchewan's labour force and full-time employment.