Aboriginal participation in job market up 11th straight month
- EFN Staff | January 14, 2014
The final job numbers for 2013 were recently released, and the province says they highlight Saskatchewan's unprecedented job creation record. The figures show that Saskatchewan created more than 18,000 jobs in 2013, the highest created in a one year period since the survey started in 1976. Within those numbers is an increase in Aboriginal employment for nearly a year, including an increase in Aboriginal youth employment.
"This is truly an important economic milestone more jobs created in the province than ever before," said Energy and Resources Minister Tim McMillan. "With more than 18,000 people working in Saskatchewan in 2013 than there were in 2012, it shows we have an economy that is both broad based and dynamic."
In December 2013, Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate in the nation at 3.9 per cent, down from 4.1 per cent in November. Nationally, the unemployment rate was 7.2 per cent in December.
"Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate in the country for the entire year," McMillan said. "Last year was simply an exceptional year, and we are confident that in 2014 we'll continue to see strong job growth, robust population growth as well as continued investment in our diverse and strong economy."
By the numbers:
Compared to December 2012, full-time employment increased by 8,100 and part-time increased by 5,800.
Youth employment up by 1,200 (1.5 per cent) compared to December 2012.
Compared to December 2012, Regina's employment was up by 4,500 (3.5 per cent), and Saskatoon's employment was up by 12,100 (8.0 per cent).
Off-reserve Aboriginal employment was up by 3,000 (7.5 per cent) compared to December 2012 for 11 consecutive months of year-over-year increases. Aboriginal youth employment was up by 1,000 (11.9 per cent) to 9,400 for seven consecutive months of year-over-year increases.
Regina and Saskatoon's unemployment rate was 4.2 per cent, the lowest unemployment rate among major cities.
Youth unemployment rate was 6.6 per cent, lowest among the provinces, and well below the national rate of 14.0 per cent.