REGINA — Statistics Canada’s latest labour force numbers show that the labour market in Saskatchewan remains strong with 19,000 full-time jobs added year-over-year in September, an increase of 2.2 per cent. Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate is the second lowest amongst provinces at 6 per cent, below the national average of 7.1 per cent.
Saskatchewan’s two biggest cities also saw year-over-year growth. Compared to September 2024, Saskatoon’s employment was up 1,900, an increase of 0.9 per cent, and Regina’s employment was up 7,800, an increase of 5.4 per cent.
Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance, up 8,400, an increase of 8.9 per cent. Consistent with the gains in urban housing starts and building permit values, an increase was seen for business, building and other support services, up 2,800, an increase of 25 per cent.
Saskatchewan continues to show economic strength in other areas. Year-to-date Saskatchewan ranked first amongst provinces for growth in the value of building permits, and month-over-month recorded the highest growth in manufacturing sales amongst provinces.