Strong gains in the private sector helped push Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate down to 6 per cent in July, according to statistics released by the provincial government on Aug. 7.
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The new figures, sourced from Statistics Canada, place Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate as the third lowest among Canadian provinces, remaining below the national average of 6.4 per cent.
Year-to-date, the province has added 2,600 jobs, marking a 0.4 per cent increase compared to the same period in 2025.
“Our government is committed to supporting employment training, workforce development and programs that help people find work,” said Eric Schmalz, minister of immigration and career training, in a media release. “This ensures we have the labour force to support the economy of today and the future.”
The growth was largely driven by the private sector, which added 10,300 jobs — a 2.7 per cent increase from July 2025.
Key industries experiencing significant year-over-year expansion include:
- Construction: Added 4,600 jobs (up 9.1 per cent)
- Accommodation and food services: Added 4,200 jobs (up 12.3 per cent)
- Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing: Added 2,000 jobs (up 6.6 per cent)
Employment growth was spread across multiple age demographics. Core working-age employment (ages 25–54) grew by 3,900 jobs, or 1.0 per cent, while youth employment (ages 15–24) rose by 1,500 jobs, an increase of 1.6 per cent compared to July 2025.
Capital city Regina also contributed to the positive employment metrics, reporting 5,400 more jobs year-over-year — a 3.5 per cent bump.
In addition to job creation, provincial officials highlighted other economic indicators, noting Saskatchewan ranked first among provinces in manufacturing sales growth and second in both urban housing starts and merchandise export growth year-to-date.
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