Saskatchewan, April 2023 - Job market snapshot
Get a snapshot of key facts about the state of Saskatchewan's labour market in the past month.
Employment in Saskatchewan was relatively unchanged (+200) in April 2023 compared to the previous month, as losses in part-time employment (-3,100 or -3.0%) were offset by gains in full-time employment (+3,400 or +0.7%). Compared to April 2022, employment was up 6,000 (+1.0%) and unemployment rate fell 0.6 percentage points to 4.8%, which is 0.2 percentage points below the national rate of 5.0%.
Saskatchewan's job market by the numbers
Working population
587,500
Up 0.0% since March
Unemployment rate
4.8%
Up since March
Industries in focus
Forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas
March20,000
April21,800
Industry employment increased 2,700 (+14.1%) on the year. The Government of Saskatchewan's 2023-2024 Budget includes enhancement to programs that drive investments in critical minerals projects. The Province is committing $4M to expand the Targeted Mineral Exploration Incentive, and increasing the Saskatchewan Mineral Exploration Tax Credit from 10% to 30%.
Health care and social assistance
March91,600
April93,300
Employment in the industry increased on annual basis by 2,500 or +2.8%. The Saskatchewan government has increased funding for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) by $8.8M. The funding will support EMS improvements in 31 communities across the province, and includes over $3.5M to create 33 new full-time equivalent positions across 27 communities.
Public administration
March39,100
April39,200
Public administration employment increased by 3.4% (+1,300) year-over-year. The provincial government announced it will open a new international trade office in Germany, making it Saskatchewan's ninth international trade office. The Province aims to increase trade and investment opportunities by increasing its presence globally, which in turn creates more jobs in Saskatchewan.
Unemployment rate by region
Prince Albert and Northern
Regina–Moose Mountain
Saskatoon–Biggar
Swift Current–Moose Jaw
Yorkton–Melville
The unemployment rate was lowest in Swift Current–Moose Jaw and highest in Yorkton–Melville.
A closer look at some regions
Prince Albert and Northern
Prince Albert and Northern recorded the highest annual increase in employment (+4,900 or +5.2%). Unemployment rate in the region was down 1.8 percentage points on the year. Various construction projects in Prince Albert could reach more than $1B over the next 12 months. Some of the key projects include $550M to reopen the pulp mill by Paper Excellence, $300M to upgrade the city’s Victoria Hospital and $250M for the construction of a new oriented strand board mill.
What else is happening in this region?
Regina–Moose Mountain
On the year, employment in Regina – Moose Mountain was up 2,000 (+1.1%) while unemployment rate declined by 0.7 percentage points. Regina City Council approved the catalyst committee's project recommendations totalling over $490M. The projects include a new arena to replace the Brandt Centre, the modernization of the Regina Central Library and a non-vehicular trail that would join parts of the city centre.
What else is happening in this region?
Yorkton–Melville
On annual basis, employment was down 1,100 or -3.0% in Yorkton – Melville, the only economic region that recorded a decline in employment. Unemployment rate in the region was up 2.4 percentage points compared to April 2022. The City of Yorkton began the $26M reconstruction of York Road. This project will likely be the most expensive and one of the most complex in Yorkton’s history.
What else is happening in this region?
Last data refresh: 2023-06-05 23:00:04
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