Q3 2025 Labour Force Analysis
SREDA’s Quarterly Labour Force Analysis offers a comprehensive overview of the Saskatoon Region’s labour market, providing insights into employment trends, workforce dynamics, and key economic indicators. By leveraging data from Statistics Canada and other trusted sources, this report delivers valuable context on the Region’s economic health and trajectory.
In analyzing the Q3 2025 data, several key takeaways are seen:
- Sharp Deceleration in Labour Force Growth and Declining Participation Rate: Labour force growth decelerated sharply, with growth essentially flat, despite moderate growth in the working-age population. The decline was largely driven by reductions in part-time positions, contributing to the lowest participation rate in two years and an increase in the unemployment rate.
- Employment Levels Plateauing: Employment levels appear to be plateauing, with year-over-year employment growth falling off from previous gains. Slowing in goods-producing sectors, particularly manufacturing and construction, was partially offset by a strong gain in utilities, agriculture, and mining, while service sector growth remained limited.
- Wage Growth Remains Strong with Notable Occupational Drivers: Wage growth remained strong, with average earnings outpacing the standard 2% inflation rate. Gains were strongest in labour-constrained occupations such as natural and applied sciences and manufacturing, while declines occurred in select service sectors.
Overall, Saskatoon’s labour market continues to show resilience amid shifting economic conditions. While growth has slowed and participation has dipped, strong wage gains and stability in key sectors highlight the Region’s ongoing economic strength and adaptability.
