Saskatchewan’s year-over-year employment increased by 14,200 jobs from April 2018, marking the ninth consecutive month of strong job gains for the province.

The job gains were primarily full-time employment, with full-time jobs increasing by 18,000. Jobs in the private sector were up 12,100. Major year-over-year gains were reported for agriculture, up 4,100 jobs; accommodation and food services up 2,500 jobs; educational services up 2,500 jobs; and health care and social assistance up 2,500 jobs.

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“Despite headwinds that our economy faces domestically and abroad, Saskatchewan job creators continue to show confidence in our province,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Our government will continue to stand up for Saskatchewan to ensure that our province remains the best place to live, work and to raise a family.”

The seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 5.4 per cent last month, down from 6.4 per cent in April 2018. The unemployment rate was the fourth lowest in the country and below the national average of 5.7 per cent.

Other April highlights include:

• On a seasonally-adjusted basis, there were 1,600 more jobs from March 2019, the fifth highest percentage gain among provinces.

• Saskatchewan had record high levels for the labour force, employment, full-time employment, and male and female employment for the month of April.

• Saskatoon’s employment was up 7,100, and Regina’s employment was up 2,800, from a year ago.