The latest figures show that job growth is up across the country with Saskatchewan faring particularly well among Canadian provinces.
Saskatchewan recorded the highest month-over-month job growth rate among Canadian provinces, according to the December Labour Force Survey.
Saskatchewan gained 6,000 jobs in December 2021, marking a 1.1% increase from November 2021.
The professional, scientific, and technical services sectors experienced the most notable increases and gains were recorded in full-time employment, primarily among men aged 25 to 54.
The unemployment rate in Saskatchewan was 5.4% and reached pre-pandemic levels in the census metropolitan areas of Saskatoon and Regina.
According to provincial data, the largest year-over-year gains were in health care and social assistance, with 8,000 more jobs, in trade, with 7,400 more jobs, and in construction, with 4,700 more jobs.
The figures also show that over the same period, the private sector added 10,800 jobs, female employment increased by 10,600 jobs, and youth employment increased by 7,700 jobs.
“Even with the global economic volatility in 2021, Saskatchewan continued to create jobs and consistently had among the lowest unemployment rates in Canada. Our province is in an enviable position
for economic growth in 2022,” said Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, in a press release.
“Our success is due to the incredible work ethic and resiliency of Saskatchewan job creators who despite unprecedented challenges have continued to create jobs and opportunity.”
The Canadian economy, meanwhile, added 55,000 jobs in December, while the unemployment rate fell to a 22-month low of 5.9% from 6.0 % in November.
After declining due to international travel restrictions, the number of very recent immigrants to Canada has returned to pre-pandemic levels in recent months, according to the survey. In December, the total
number of very recent working-age immigrants (25 to 54 years old) increased by 0.6%, or 5,000 more, than two years earlier.
In 2021, Canada reached its goal of 401,000 new permanent residents, and the current government wants to increase that goal to 411,000 for next year.
