Sask. Party and NDP offer dueling positions on new job numbers
The Sask. Party and the NDP are weighing in on economic issues less than three months before voters head to the polls.
Following the latest jobs report from Stats Canada, the province pointed out Saskatchewan has the lowest unemployment rate among the provinces at 5.4 per cent, and the second highest year-over-year jobs growth record at 3.9 per cent.
“It means there is genuine opportunity to build your family, build your business, grow your business and expand your opportunity and build your career right here in Saskatchewan,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison, who said the numbers were unequivocally positive for the province.
Saskatchewan saw gains across the board, with Harrison highlighting year-over-year job growth for women, youth and indigenous people, and gains in the province’s two largest cities.
“Regina nearly 3,000 new jobs, and Saskatoon showing incredible job growth. Nearly 8,000 jobs created in Saskatoon over the course of the last year,” said Harrison.
Seasonally adjusted numbers show Saskatchewan had a year-over-year 4.2 percent gain in employment, with the labour force growing to 645,000.
But the NDP says the jobs numbers may not be as great as they seem.
Jobs and Economic Critic Aleana Young says Saskatchewan has had the second-worst jobs creation record in the country under Premier Scott Moe.
“Scott Moe has the second-worst job creation record in the country. Full stop,” Young said in a statement to CTV News.
“Every province except for one has created jobs at a higher rate than Saskatchewan since Scott Moe took office. Taken as percentages, Saskatchewan full time employment and total employment are only up 8.2 per cent and 8.1 per cent respectively during Scott Moe’s time as premier — again, the second worst among provinces.”
Young said the NDP would put Saskatchewan workers and businesses first to improve job creation.
A recent poll suggests healthcare, inflation and the economy are the top three issues on many voter’s minds ahead of a fall election.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
2 hospitalized, suspects sought after 'extreme case of road rage' in B.C.: RCMP
Mounties in B.C.'s Lower Mainland are searching for two people allegedly responsible for a road rage incident that sent a couple to hospital with serious injuries, saying the suspects could be in another province.
Why is this village in Quebec facing a 370 per cent property tax hike?
Residents in the small Quebec village of Danford Lake may soon be priced out of their homes, as property valuations and taxes are set to skyrocket.
Calgary's police chief speaks out against Alberta's anticipated photo radar crackdown
Calgary’s police chief has issued a grave warning about the potential impact of further restrictions on photo radar use in Alberta.
Woman who died in B.C. jail cell had asked to be taken to hospital twice, report shows
A woman who died from drug toxicity while in a B.C. jail cell asked to be taken to hospital twice in the hours after she was taken into custody in a case the province's police watchdog says again raises concerns over the treatment of intoxicated prisoners.
James Earl Jones, acclaimed actor and voice of Darth Vader, dies at 93
James Earl Jones, who overcame racial prejudice and a severe stutter to become a celebrated icon of stage and screen — eventually lending his deep, commanding voice to CNN, 'The Lion King' and Darth Vader — has died. He was 93.
Romeo Dallaire now recovered from severe infection: CTV News Exclusive
Romeo Dallaire is ready to return to public life again this fall after a serious health scare forced the retired lieutenant-general to postpone his cross-country book tour in March.
White Stripes sue Donald Trump over use of 'Seven Nation Army' riff in social media post
The White Stripes sued former U.S. president Donald Trump on Monday in a case that alleges he used their hit song 'Seven Nation Army' without permission in a video posted to social media.
Alberta protesters get 6 1/2-year sentences for roles in Coutts border blockade
One of two men sentenced Monday to 6 1/2 years for firearms violations and mischief at the border blockade at Coutts, Alta., says the time he has already spent behind bars has changed him and his "solemn weapon” is now love.
'You can't miss Luke Skywalker': Mark Hamill spotted filming in Manitoba town
Star Wars icon Mark Hamill rode through the streets of Stonewall, Man. last month filming scenes atop what looked to be an Army vehicle for the upcoming film adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk."