Saskatchewan's Labor Market: Opportunities,
Executive Summary
Saskatchewan’s labor market is evolving rapidly, with diverse industries such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and information technology (IT) emerging as key drivers of growth. Despite slight increases in unemployment rates, the province remains a hub for job creation, providing significant opportunities for newcomers, employers, and policymakers alike. The province’s robust immigration pathways, particularly the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), are essential for addressing labor shortages in these high-growth sectors.
This report examines Saskatchewan’s labor market trends, focusing on the growth of both the goods-producing and services-producing sectors. Key sectors like agriculture (13.4% growth), mining (10% growth), and construction (2.5% growth) have fueled this growth. However, sectors like accommodation and food services (18.4% growth) have seen substantial increases as well. Employers must tap into the immigrant workforce and invest in upskilling programs, while newcomers can focus on these high-growth sectors to secure stable career opportunities.
Through the use of detailed statistical charts and infographics, this report presents a comprehensive view of Saskatchewan’s labor market, offering actionable insights for employers, policymakers, and newcomers.
Introduction
Saskatchewan is at a pivotal moment in its labor market transformation. Historically known for its reliance on agriculture and natural resources, the province is witnessing rapid diversification. As Saskatchewan sets off in 2025, industries such as healthcare, technology, and manufacturing are outpacing traditional sectors like agriculture and mining in job creation. The government’s initiatives, including the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), have played a critical role in facilitating the immigration of skilled workers to fill these emerging roles.
For newcomers, Saskatchewan offers a wealth of opportunities, particularly in the province’s expanding IT, construction, and healthcare sectors. Employers, however, face challenges in filling these roles, necessitating strategic efforts to attract talent from outside the province. This report provides a comprehensive analysis of these trends, including sectoral growth, employment projections, and strategies for effective workforce integration.
Saskatchewan Labor Market Overview
Employment Growth
Saskatchewan's employment rate grew by 1.2% in 2024, adding 7,500 new jobs. While the unemployment rate slightly increased to 6.0%, this growth in total employment signifies a resilient labor market, driven by sectors like healthcare, IT, and construction. The slight uptick in unemployment can be attributed to an increasing labor force, outpacing job creation in certain sectors.
Key Employment Data:
Total Employment: 612,800 (October 2024)
Employment Growth: +1.2% increase (7,500 jobs)
Unemployment Rate: 6.0% (up from 5.7% in 2023)
The chart below illustrates the projected employment growth from 2023 to 2025
Sectoral Growth Trends
The labor market’s performance is primarily driven by goods-producing and services-producing sectors.
Goods-Producing Sectors:
Agriculture: +13.4% growth, adding 3,200 jobs
Mining, Quarrying, Oil & Gas: +10% growth, adding 2,000 jobs
Construction: +2.5% growth, adding 1,500 jobs
Services-Producing Sectors:
Accommodation & Food Services: +18.4% growth, adding 5,500 jobs
Healthcare & IT: +0.3% growth, contributing to overall job stability
Sector Comparison:
Goods-Producing Sector: 2.5% growth
Services-Producing Sector: 0.3% growth
The chart below shows a detailed comparison of the growth in goods-producing vs. servicesproducing sectors:
For the year 2024:
Unemployment Rate Trend
The unemployment rate in Saskatchewan has remained relatively stable, with a slight uptick to 6.0% in 2024. However, the rate remains comparable to national averages, and the overall employment growth is expected to continue in line with projected labor demands.
Sectoral Growth Breakdown
The growth in the goods-producing sector, which includes agriculture, mining, and construction, has significantly outpaced the services-producing sector. The growth in agriculture, particularly, stands out, reflecting Saskatchewan’s position as a major agricultural hub.
Agriculture remains the largest contributor to employment growth, with a 13.4% increase, adding 3,200 jobs. Mining and construction sectors also showed strong performances, with a 10% and 2.5% increase, respectively. Accommodation and food services saw a strong rebound post-pandemic, growing by 18.4%, adding 5,500 new jobs.
Emerging Opportunities for Newcomers
Saskatchewan's growing industries provide excellent opportunities for newcomers to enter highdemand sectors. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) has become an essential tool for matching skilled labor with labor shortages, particularly in healthcare, construction, and IT
Key High-Demand Sectors for Newcomers:
1. Healthcare
Roles: Registered Nurses, Medical Laboratory Technologists, Home Care Workers.
Growth Driver: Aging population and increasing healthcare demands.
2. Construction
Roles: Electricians, Heavy Equipment Operators, General Laborers.
Growth Driver: Infrastructure development and residential construction.
3. Agriculture and Agri-Tech
Roles: Agricultural Technologists, Food Processing Technicians, Farm Workers.
Growth Driver: Saskatchewan's leading role in agriculture and advancements in agritech.
4. Information Technology (IT)
Roles: Software Developers, IT Support Technicians, Data Analysts.
Growth Driver: Rapid expansion of Saskatoon’s tech sector with companies like Vendasta and 7shifts.
Conclusion
Saskatchewan's labor market has proven to be resilient and dynamic, with several key sectors showing strong growth and contributing to the province's economic prosperity. As we approach 2025, the province's labor market is poised for continued expansion, driven primarily by sectors such as healthcare, construction, agriculture, and information technology. These sectors not only represent significant opportunities for growth but also critical areas where demand for skilled labor is outpacing supply.
Despite slight fluctuations in the unemployment rate, Saskatchewan remains an attractive destination for newcomers seeking employment. The province’s immigration policies, particularly the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), provide newcomers with clear pathways to integrate into the labor market and contribute to the region’s growth. Moreover, the ongoing diversification of Saskatchewan’s economy presents a broad range of opportunities, making it an ideal environment for newcomers with diverse skill sets to thrive.
However, the labor market's future success will depend on a strategic, collaborative approach among employers, newcomers, policymakers, and settlement organizations. By fostering a cooperative relationship among these stakeholders, Saskatchewan can unlock its full potential, ensuring long-term economic growth, job creation, and a robust, diverse workforce.
Citations and References:
1. Saskatchewan Labour Market Trends (2024), Saskatchewan Government. Available at: www.saskatchewan.ca
2. Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP), Saskatchewan Ministry of Immigration and Career Training. Available at: www.saskatchewan.ca
3. Saskatoon Economic Development Authority (SEDA). "Economic Trends in Saskatchewan." Available at: www.sreda.com
4. Statistics Canada. (2024). Labor Market and Employment Statistics for Saskatchewan. Available at: www.statcan.gc.ca
5. Saskatchewan Health Authority. “Healthcare Sector Employment in Saskatchewan.” Available at: www.saskhealthauthority.ca
6. Government of Saskatchewan (2024) Economic Development and Labor Market Policy Review. Available at: www.saskatchewan.ca
7. Saskatchewan Construction Association. “Saskatchewan’s Construction Sector: A Growing Industry.” Available at: www.scaonline.ca
8. Saskatchewan’s Immigration and Settlement Services (2024) Connecting Newcomers to Saskatchewan’s Labor Market. Available at: www.saskimmigration.ca
Produced by Jero Omare-Ogah December 2024 Employer Partnership and Engagement, ADAG Team Saskatchewan Immigrant Employment Council