Saskatchewan gained 4,700 jobs in August over July but the number of employed persons was 26,500 below levels a year ago.
The monthly Labour Force Survey from Statistics Canada showed Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate in Canada.
Among the hardest hit sectors, accommodation and food services gained 500 jobs in August but was 15,300 below August 2019.
In the services sector, 3,500 jobs were gained but the sector pays 15,400 fewer people than one year ago.
Construction gained 1,600 jobs but employment is 6,300 below last year’s level.
Information, culture and recreation lost 3,700 jobs in August and is 9,000 below the August 2019 mark.
Health care gained 600 jobs and is 800 above one year ago while education gained 900 job and sits 2,700 above year ago levels.
Of the 16,700 jobs added since July, 1,100 came from the Swift Current/Moose Jaw employment region
The region had 51,100 working in August, only 600 less than one year ago.
The unemployment rate was 7.4 per cent, compared with 7.9 per cent for Saskatchewan.
Ron Walter can be reached at ronjoy@sasktel.net
