Saskatchewan reports low unemployment, NDP cites full-time job losses
The province's 5.4 percent unemployment rate was second-lowest in Canada, but the opposition says full-time employment fell by 5,500.
Saskatchewan's unemployment rate was 5.4 percent in September, the second-lowest among provinces, according to Statistics Canada. The provincial government said Saskatchewan added 2,400 jobs over the past year, reaching a record 625,000 people employed. Its unemployment rate was well below the national average of 6.5 percent. Youth unemployment in the province fell to 11.4 percent, also below the national rate of 13 percent. "Saskatchewan's economy is strong and steady and the new labour market numbers from Statistics Canada reflect that strength," said Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz. The government noted private sector employment grew by 21,500 jobs, or six percent, over the previous year. Schmalz added that officials are helping residents prepare for new jobs as the economy expands.
The Opposition NDP challenged this positive assessment, pointing to different Statistics Canada figures. The party said the province lost 5,500 full-time jobs compared to September 2025. It also noted 3,500 people left the labour force in September alone. "Between September 2025 and 2026, 5,500 full-time jobs were lost," said Aleana Young, the NDP's shadow minister for jobs and the economy.
Young argued the government's focus on overall job growth ignores these declines. The unemployment rate can fall if people stop looking for work, as they are then no longer counted as unemployed. A rise in part-time employment can also offset losses in full-time positions. These factors mean a low unemployment rate does not always signal improved conditions for all workers.
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Industry data showed gains in several sectors over the past year. Manufacturing employment rose by 5,700 jobs, an increase of 21.7 percent. Construction added 5,700 jobs, growing by 11.8 percent, while health care and social assistance gained 4,100 positions. Regina saw employment grow by 5,300 jobs, a 3.5 percent increase, and Saskatoon added 900 jobs, a 0.4 percent rise.
The government also highlighted Saskatchewan's performance in other economic areas, including urban housing starts, manufacturing sales and merchandise exports. It said its strategies aim to build the workforce and attract private investment. The NDP, however, contends the loss of full-time jobs and shrinking labour force require more attention. The competing interpretations highlight different aspects of the same labour market data.
With files from DiscoverHumboldt