This section of Exploring Saskatchewan's Economy and Labour
Market is an overview of Saskatchewan’s economy and employment
picture. It will give you a good sense of what has been happening
in our provincial economy and a grasp of current and future
trends. As you’re reading, think about how you fit into
the trends. Where might you find some opportunities to pursue?
To zoom in on more information, visit Sections 1 to 6.
Remember that any predictions for future trends are possible
scenarios. Economists’ forecasts can become outdated because
of:
- unexpected events
- changes in provincial, Canadian and foreign government
policies
- adjustments in financial markets
Our Economy
Saskatchewan’s economy is linked to other economies, including
those of Alberta, Canada and the U.S. What happens in those economies
can have a marked effect on ours.
Our province has seen strong growth over the last decade. Favourable
global conditions and a relatively buoyant Canadian economy
helped to support this growth.
Over this period:
The provincial economy is expected to grow steadily over the
medium term. But the short-term outlook is affected by concerns
about the slowing US economy. This, and a strong Alberta economy
that attracts some Saskatchewan workers, means that our economy
will continue to grow, but at a slower rate.
Where the Work Is
Over the last decade, we’ve seen changes in where people
are employed in Saskatchewan. The service-producing area has
been growing. The goods-producing area has been getting smaller.
A 9% decrease in the goods-producing area resulted mainly from
a decrease in agricultural activity.
At the same time, the number of people employed in the service-producing
area rose by 14%.
Our People
Population trends also affect employment. In the last decade
the population of Saskatchewan gradually increased , but recently
this has leveled off as people have left for other provinces,
notably Alberta.
More Saskatchewan people are living in towns and cities. From
1990 to 2000, there was a 7% drop in the number of people living
in rural areas.
The number of older residents in Saskatchewan is also increasing.
As the baby boom generation reaches retirement age and begins
to leave the labour market, there will be more employment opportunities.
This will benefit youth and groups that are not well represented
in today’s labour force.
The number of Aboriginal people in our province is steadily
increasing. A significant proportion (42%) are under 15 years
of age. So in the future there will be more Aboriginal people
entering the labour force.
Aboriginal people will be able to take advantage of the job
opportunities that come with the retirement of the baby boomers.
Post-secondary education and training will be key.
Education Counts
People with higher levels of education and skills now make up
a greater proportion of Saskatchewan’s workforce. In 1990,
post-secondary graduates were 35% of the workforce. In 2000,
they made up 44%.
Research shows that nearly all employment growth, provincially
and nationally, can be attributed to workers with either some
or completed post-secondary education. Higher education also
tends to bring increased wages and less reliance on social assistance.
Looking Ahead
The most recent forecast shows Saskatchewan’s labour market
creating over 44,000 job openings from 2000 to 2005. The job
openings will come from people leaving jobs for retirement and
other reasons and from the creation of new jobs.
Most of these jobs will require a university degree, some post-secondary
education or management skills.
Workers with lesser skills and training will continue to play
a significant role in the labour market.
Almost 75% of all job opportunities will occur in the service
area of the economy.
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