Enterprise Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan’s healthy economy has created strong employment opportunities. In 2009, employment levels increased 1.5% – the highest increase in Canada. For the past two years, a strong job market has contributed to positive in-migration as Saskatchewan attracts skilled workers and professionals from other parts of Canada and abroad.

Growing labour demand has also led to an increase in wage levels. Average weekly earnings amounted to $786 in 2008, a 4.8% increase from the previous year, the second-highest growth rate in Canada.

A major focus for Saskatchewan is attracting immigrants. The province has revamped its immigrant nominee program to provide faster entry for immigrants whose skills and abilities fit labour market needs. The government provides funding to community-based groups to provide initial settlement support, and to English language-training programs to support communication skills training. In 2008-09, through the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nomination Program, 2,914 people were nominated for residence in Saskatchewan, almost half of the total number of immigrants that year. The target for 2009-10 is 3,400 nominees, which, with spouses and families, would result in nearly 10,000 new residents.