Saskatchewan’s labour market added 15,000 full-time jobs over the last year. New data from Statistics Canada shows the province now holds the lowest unemployment rate in the country.
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Figures released Friday for March 2026 place Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate at five per cent. This sits well below the national average of 6.7 per cent.
“March was a strong month for Saskatchewan’s labour market,” said Eric Schmalz, Minister of Immigration and Career Training, in a news release.
The province saw a month-over-month increase of 5,800 jobs. This represents a seasonally adjusted growth rate of 0.9 per cent. It is the second-highest growth rate among all provinces.
Urban Jobs Lead the Way
Major urban centres drove much of this expansion:
- Regina: Employment rose by 7,800 jobs, a 5.3 per cent increase from March 2025.
- Saskatoon: Employment grew by 5,200 jobs, up 2.6 per cent over the same period.
Specific sectors also reported significant gains. The health care and social assistance sector added 6,800 positions. Personal and repair services grew by nearly 20 per cent. Finance, insurance, and real estate sectors saw a 12.7 per cent jump.
Youth Employment Trends
Youth employment also increased. The province added 3,600 youth jobs compared to last year. Saskatchewan’s youth unemployment rate is now 9.8 per cent. This is the third-lowest in Canada and far below the national rate of 13.8 per cent.
Economic Momentum
Government officials highlighted other signs of economic strength. Saskatchewan ranked second in Canada for urban housing start growth. It also ranked third for the value of building permits.
The province continues to implement its Labour Market Strategy. The goal is to attract $16 billion in private capital investment every year.
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