Saskatchewan’s Labour Force
The Saskatchewan labour market includes people 15 years of age and older who are in the labour force and are either employed or unemployed.

In 2000, the provincial labour force had 511,700 participants, with a participation rate of 67%, which was slightly higher than the national average.

The province has a larger proportion of its labour force in both the 15 to 24 and the 55 and over age categories than the national average.

When the province has experienced an economic slowdown, as in the late 1980s and early 1990s, unemployment levels have increased.

Most of the growth in the labour force over the past ten years occurred in the late 1990s, as the economy recovered.

Projected Labour Force (1998 - 2018)

Saskatchewan’s population is continuing to age and it is expected that the number of labour force participants will increase until 2008. The number will then begin to level off.

The dominant group in the labour force will switch from the current 35 to 44 age group to the 45 to 54 age group during the period from 1998 to 2018.

By 2018, the three age groups, 25 to 34, 35 to 44 and 45 to 54, are expected to be relatively close in size. The 55 to 64 age group will increase by almost 50%.

It is estimated that the labour force in 2018 will have an increased number of older workers.

Registered Indians will increase their representation in the labour force from 5% to 14%. By 2018, 22% of people aged 15 to 24 who are entering the labour force for the first time are likely to be Registered Indians.

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