Employment
Employment in the Regina region has increased significantly in recent years. With an average real GDP growth rate of 4.0% in 2007 and forecasts of 3.5% in 2008 and 2.9% in 2009, this increased job creation is expected to continue.
Employment
The most recent estimates by the Conference Board of Canada indicate that Regina is poised to add over 4,000 new jobs between 2008 and the end of 2012. In short, the number of jobs available for new and current Regina residents is on the rise.
Unemployment
Regina continues to have a relatively low unemployment rate, which is consistent with other major metropolitan centres in western Canada. Furthermore, the Conference Board of Canada estimates that our unemployment rate will continue falling from the 4.9% of 2007 to a low of 4.0% in 2012.
Participation Rates
Saskatchewan has a labour force participation rate of almost 70% of its working age population. When compared to Alberta’s of almost 75%, it becomes clear that there is additional room to grow and engage more of our population in the labour force. Additionally, while the participation rate has been rising and unemployment rate has been falling among the aboriginal population, the rates still do no match those of the entire population. Thus, there is also room for growth among a segment of the population who is newly engaging in the workforce.
