OTTAWA – The unemployment rate in Saskatchewan rose in July. Statistics Canada reported Friday the unemployment rate was 5.2 per cent, up 0.5 percentage points from June.
Nationally, the unemployment rate was unchanged at 6.8 per cent.
READ MORE: Canada’s unemployment rate steady at 6.8% in July
The agency reported the number of people working in Saskatchewan declined by 7,400 last month, leaving employment levels virtually unchanged from a year ago at 568,700.
There were 10,200 full-time jobs lost in July, with 2,800 part-time jobs added to the workforce.
The Saskatchewan government is putting a positive spin on the numbers despite the job losses.
“Today’s number show Saskatchewan has maintained the lowest unemployment rate in the county for almost two straight years,” said Jeremy Harrison, the minister of immigration, jobs, skills and training.
The opposition NDP is criticizing the government over the latest numbers, saying more needs to be done.
“There are thousands of workers who have been forced to replace a great full-time job with a lower-paying part-time job,” said deputy leader Trent Wotherspoon.
“This province has been missing the opportunity to strengthen our manufacturing sector, and build a powerful innovative and technology sector.
“We know there are gains and losses taking place in the job market, which is something we watch closely,” said Harrison, who added having the lowest unemployment rate in country means there is a reliable job market.
“That speaks volume to business and industry when they are looking for jurisdictions to invest in.”
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