Since 2013 both Regina and Saskatoon have dropped in rankings in terms of being the most attractive city for workers among major Canadian cities, according to the latest BMO report titled, “Where have all the good people gone, now?”
Regina went from being number one in the country to sixth, while Saskatoon moved from fourth on the list to 11th.
There are 22 cities ranked, and although it may seem like a significant fall, experts say they aren’t too concerned.
“Regina actually does very well when you look at median income. We’re actually 12 per cent higher than the average, which is about $9,300,” said John Hopkins, Regina & District Chamber of Commerce CEO.
“When you look at average housing prices, we do very well in terms of the average around the country. Almost $116 thousand lower and very attractive for people coming here.”
Some of the factors that dictate the rankings include jobs and wages, housing affordability and taxes, more specifically sales tax which is at 11 per cent in both cities.
“The last time this report was done, the sales tax was low, but even still the sales tax here in Regina is still a little bit lower than the average so we’re still doing okay,” said Hopkins.
Saskatchewan’s unemployment rate is 5.8 per cent according to Statistics Canada, which is amongst the best in the country. Hopkins said that shouldn’t be overlooked.
“The reality is when most people are looking at opportunities, the first thing is, for most people, is there a job? If there is no job, it doesn’t matter what your housing prices are, none of that matters,” he said.
“It’s really about opportunities here for people and the unemployment rate speaks to the reality that there still are opportunities here.”
Hopkins said he hopes to see both cities climb the list, and believes they can as long they continue to focus on building a strong economy.
Ottawa, Quebec City and Hamilton are listed as the top three.
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