Saskatchewan posts country’s lowest unemployment rate

Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate in October was the lowest in the country.

According to the Statistics Canada Labour Force Survey, which was published on Friday, the province’s unemployment rate last month was 4.4 per cent. That number was down from 4.9 per cent in September.

Quebec had the second-lowest rate in the country in October, at 4.9 per cent. Saskatchewan’s rate was well below the national unemployment rate of 5.7 per cent.

The Canadian unemployment rate rose from 5.5 per cent in September. The increase was the fourth in the past six months nationally.

Statistics Canada noted that employment in the province increased by 9,100, or 1.5 per cent, in the month — the second straight monthly increase.

The unemployment rate rose in both of Saskatchewan’s largest cities, climbing from 5.2 per cent to 5.4 per cent in Regina and from 5.4 per cent to 5.5 per cent in Saskatoon.

The provincial government said there were 19,300 new jobs added in the province when compared to October 2022.

“Today’s lowest-in-the-nation unemployment rate and remarkable job growth figures reflect a thriving economy and a growing province,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said in a media release.

“Our government continues to build and protect our economy. Working with our partners to create more opportunities for Saskatchewan residents, newcomers and businesses, ensures that Saskatchewan’s growth creates a better quality of life for everyone.”

Data showed the province’s unemployment fell from 30,600 to 27,600 month over month. The employment rate climbed from 63,700 to 64,500 from September to October.

The Statistics Canada figures showed the province’s labour force rose to 629,300 in October, up from 623,200 the month before. The province’s population aged 15 and over reached an all-time high of 932,400.