Saskatchewan’s COVID-19 cases rose in December 2020, forcing the provincial government to tighten restrictions on businesses and households. Because of these changes, both Saskatoon and the province experienced another month of job losses.
Saskatoon
Employment for the Saskatoon CMA fell by 200 in December. Labour market recovery dropped to 68.6% of jobs that were lost during March and April, down from 69.5% in November.
The unemployment rate rose to 8.1%, from 7.8% in November, as a result of more people entering the labour force while employment fell.
Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan lost 6,700 jobs in December. With 1,300 people leaving the labour force, the unemployment rate rose to 7.8% from 6.8% in October. Full-time employment fell by 6,600, while part-time employment dropped 200 (numbers differ slightly from total loss due to rounding).
Overall, employment in wholesale and retail trade (+500) and professional, scientific and technical services rose slightly (+2,200). Employment in agriculture (-1,400), accommodation and food services (-1,300), educational services (-900), public administration (-900) and health care (-700) fell the most.
Outlook
With vaccinations underway across the province, the risk of complacency rises along with cases. According to Statistics Canada, the recovery of the economy hinges on the continued viability of telework as more than a quarter of Canadians are now working from home.
Source: Statistics Canada, Labour Force Characteristics
