Over 3,000 local students attended last October's job fair. (Image Credit: Nigel Maxwell/ paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Economy

Saskatchewan youth employment rises

Jul 10, 2026 | 1:23 PM

Statistics Canada’s latest labour force numbers indicate more youth in Saskatchewan are working for the summer.

Youth employment in Saskatchewan increased by 2,400 positions year-over-year in June, a gain of 2.6 per cent. The province’s youth unemployment rate fell to 11.1 per cent in June, down from 13.2 per cent in May and 12.1 per cent in June 2025.

That was the third-lowest youth unemployment rate among provinces and remained below the national youth unemployment rate of 12.7 per cent.

Overall, Saskatchewan added 3,400 jobs year-to-date. The province’s unemployment rate was 6.1 per cent, the third lowest among provinces and below the national average of 6.5 per cent.

“Saskatchewan’s labour market continues to demonstrate resiliency,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz said. “Our government is committed to ensuring that our labour market remains strong, our economy continues to grow and that Saskatchewan remains the best place in Canada to live, work and raise a family.”

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Several sectors reported year-over-year gains, led by accommodation and food services, which rose by 2,700 jobs, or 8.3 per cent. Health care and social assistance increased by 2,400 jobs, or 2.3 per cent, while finance, insurance, real estate and leasing rose by 1,600 jobs, or 5.3 per cent.

The province also pointed to growth in other economic indicators. Saskatchewan’s merchandise exports increased 36.4 per cent from May 2025 to May 2026, while exports during the first five months of 2026 were up 8.2 per cent.

Year-over-year, Saskatchewan ranked second among provinces for growth in housing starts.

Nationally, employers added 18,000 jobs last month, mostly in part-time and private sector work.

That pushed the unemployment rate down a tenth of a point to 6.5 per cent, back to where it stood in January.

nigel.maxwell@pattisonmedia.com

— with files from the Canadian Press

by Nigel Maxwell

Saskatchewan youth employment rises

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