Sask. unemployment rate dipped slightly in May to 5.6 per cent: Statistics Canada

Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate dipped slightly last month, falling from 5.7 per cent in April to 5.6 per cent in May.

According to figures released on Friday by Statistics Canada, that puts the province ahead of the national unemployment rate of 6.2 per cent and on par with British Columbia. Only Quebec, (5.1) and Manitoba (4.9) saw posted unemployment rates last month.

The provincial government celebrated the latest monthly job numbers, as the province added 16,200 new jobs on a year-over-year basis.

“There are more people working in Saskatchewan than ever before,” Jeremy Harrison, Saskatchewan’s immigration and career training minister, said in a statement.

“Our province’s record job growth is driven by the unprecedented level of investment being made in Saskatchewan. Our government will continue to work alongside job creators to build the labour force needed to fill the jobs that Saskatchewan’s rapidly growing economy is creating.”

According to the province, 4,800 new were gained in the professional, technical and scientific services fields, while 4,000 new jobs were added in information, culture and recreation.

“Adding to this growth, the province’s exports for 2022 and 2023 combined reached $102 billion an increase of 52.2 per cent from the previous two-year period of 2020-2021,” the ministry added.

“Additionally, Saskatchewan’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by only 1.0 per cent in April 2024 over April 2023, marking the second lowest increase among the provinces.”