Construction workers in Prince Albert. (Derek Craddock/paNOW Staff)

By Jaryn Vecchio

Job Numbers

Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan struggle with job losses in first half of 2023

Jul 10, 2023 | 3:20 PM

The first half of 2023 has been tough on Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan when it comes to jobs.

According to Statistics Canada’s monthly report, the region has around 1,900 fewer people now than at the start of the year.

This is despite the province as a whole filling nearly 13,000 positions over the six-month period.

Three of the province’s five regions, used by Statistics Canada, have actually seen decreases in the number of people enrolled. Swift Current-Moose Jaw has had the worst time, losing around 4,000, while Yorkton-Melville is down roughly 100 spots.

Regina and Saskatoon are unsurprisingly the reason why the province is looking at overall job growth as the regions added 8,500 and 10,300 workers respectively in the first half.

On the ice

Weekend rink report: Mintos split in Southern Sask., Northern Bears swept by Regina

14h ago

Russia-Ukraine War

In a first, President Biden gives green light for Ukraine's use of U.S.-supplied long-range missiles in Russia

19h ago

Podium finish

Carlton boys claim third at 5A provincials, first provincial medal in volleyball since 2014

20h ago

In Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan, the forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, oil and gas sector has lost around 2,400 employees. This is by far the hardest-hit sector in the region.

The healthcare and social assistance sector also had a tough six months as it lost around 1,500 spots.

Despite being in peak construction season, around 1,100 fewer people are also currently working in the sector.

Not every sector had a tough time as wholesale and retail trade filled 2,400 positions.

Meanwhile, Statistics Canada explained in an email to paNOW that numbers reported by the provincial government don’t align as they don’t factor in the inclusion of economic regions.

Because of this, there’s a discrepancy in what’s being estimated.

­__

Jaryn.Vecchio@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow