Saskatchewan added 15,300 full-time jobs in May, continuing a trend of strong employment growth and maintaining the lowest unemployment rate in the country, according to new figures released by Statistics Canada.
The province’s unemployment rate stood at 4.2 per cent last month, the lowest in the nation and well below the national average of 7.0 per cent.
“There are more people working in Saskatchewan than ever before,” said Deputy Premier and Minister of Immigration and Career Training Jim Reiter. “We are experiencing record job growth and our province continues to be an economic leader in Canada. Our government is working to ensure this growth continues and that our province remains attractive for businesses to invest while continuing to be the best place to live and work in Canada.”
Saskatchewan led the country in year-over-year employment gains, adding 16,300 jobs, a 2.7 per cent increase, the highest percentage growth among provinces.
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Several key labour force indicators reached record highs in May, including total labour force participation (653,900 people aged 15 and over), full-time employment (518,800), and employment among women (294,300).
Year over year, employment for women rose by 10,900 positions, a 3.8 per cent increase, while employment for men increased by 5,300 jobs, or 1.6 per cent. The overall gain in full-time employment represents a 3.0 per cent rise.
Saskatchewan’s two largest cities also posted strong gains. Compared to May 2024, employment in Saskatoon rose by 7,900 jobs (4.1 per cent), and in Regina by 5,100 jobs (3.5 per cent).
The health care and social assistance sector led all industries in job creation, adding 11,400 jobs, a 12.4 per cent increase over last year. Construction jobs grew by 7,000 (16.3 per cent), while public administration positions rose by 6,100 (16.8 per cent).
Economic indicators outside the labour market also show upward momentum. Saskatchewan’s GDP reached $80.5 billion in 2024, an increase of 3.4 per cent from 2023. In March 2025, the province posted the highest year-over-year growth in building construction investment among provinces (27.8 per cent) and ranked second in retail trade growth (8.2 per cent).
