Saskatchewan, June 2024 - Job market snapshot

Get a snapshot of key facts about the state of Saskatchewan's labour market in the past month.

 
In June, employment in Saskatchewan increased 400 (+0.1%) on the previous month, with gains in part-time employment (+1,600 or +1.5%) tapered by losses in full-time employment (-1,200 or -0.2%). The unemployment rate fell 0.1 percentage points to 5.5% and remained below the national average of 6.4%. The labour force contracted 0.1% (-500). On annual basis, employment was up in the goods-producing sector (+400 or +0.3%) and the services-producing sector (+14,200 or +3.1%). Four of the top five industries by employment growth rate were in the services-producing sector, led by professional, scientific, and technical services (+3,400 or +10.1%) and accommodation and food services (+3,000 or +9.6%). Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas was the sole goods-producing industry in the top-five with an increase of 5.7% (+1,200).

Saskatchewan's job market by the numbers

Working population

604,000

Up 0.1% since May

Unemployment rate

5.5%

Down -0.1 pts since May

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0287-01 - Labour force characteristics, monthly, seasonally adjusted and trend-cycle, last 5 months

Industries in focus

Agriculture

Number of jobs increased 2.8%

May24,700

June25,400

Employment in Agriculture grew 2.8% (+700) from May to June, and 5.4% (+1,300) on the year. Cooler temperatures and above-average rainfall through the spring and early summer months were a welcomed change from several seasons of drought-like conditions. Southern Saskatchewan may see as much as a $1 billion boost in yield potential due to the extra moisture this year.

Accommodation and food services

Number of jobs increased 1.5%

May33,700

June34,200

Accommodation and food services industry continues to grow, gaining 3,000 jobs (+9.6%) compared to June 2023. Travel spending in Saskatchewan increased by $450 million in 2023, driven by a rise in visits from both domestic and international travelers. The Conference Board of Canada projects tourism revenues will continue to grow, with Saskatchewan expected to reach approximately $3.57 billion in annual visitor expenditures by 2028.

Professional, scientific and technical services

Number of jobs decreased -3.1%

May38,400

June37,200

Employment in Professional, scientific, and technical services fell 3.1% (-1,200) compared to May, marking only the second monthly decrease in employment since November 2022. On the year, employment was up 10.1% (+3,400). The Saskatchewan Research Council and Meadow Lake Tribal Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate on the uses and applications of new microreactor technology in Northern and Indigenous communities.

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0355-02 - Employment by industry, monthly, seasonally adjusted (x 1,000)

Unemployment rate by region

Prince Albert and Northern
5.1%
Regina–Moose Mountain
6.4%
Saskatoon–Biggar
5.2%
Swift Current–Moose Jaw
6.0%
Yorkton–Melville
4.2%

The unemployment rate was lowest in Yorkton–Melville and highest in Regina–Moose Mountain.

Source: Statistics Canada - Table 14-10-0387-01 - Labour force characteristics, three-month moving average, unadjusted for seasonality, last 5 months

A closer look at some regions

Yorkton–Melville

36,800 people employed

Down -2.1% since June 2023

Yorkton - Melville was the only region to record a decline in employment over the year (-800 or -2.1%). However, several new projects should raise the demand for labour over the next several years. The Louis Dreyfus Company is expanding the canola crush facility and recently began construction on a new pea processing plant that will employ approximately 60 workers. What else is happening in this region?

Regina–Moose Mountain

194,500 people employed

Up 3.3% since June 2023

Employment increased 3.3% (+6,200) in Regina - Moose Mountain, the largest annual growth rate in the province. Six Nations Energy Development LP is partnering with Enbridge Inc. to build the 200-megawatt Seven Stars wind farm near Weyburn. The group recently secured $100 million in loan guarantees from the Saskatchewan Indigenous Investment Finance Corp. Construction should begin by 2025 and be completed by 2027. What else is happening in this region?

Saskatoon–Biggar

228,600 people employed

Up 3.2% since June 2023

Saskatoon - Biggar had the largest annual employment gain by number in the province, up 7,100 jobs (+3.2%). The population is growing with employment, putting a strain on public services. The Government of Saskatchewan and Ahtahkakoop Cree Developments have signed an agreement, paving the way for a new Urgent Care Centre in Saskatoon. Construction is expected to begin in the fall of 2024. What else is happening in this region?

Last data refresh: 2024-07-25 23:00:30

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