Statistics Canada data shows 6,900 jobs lost here between January and the end of June and unemployment has climbed to 6.1, a significant jump from 4.5 per cent a year ago. The impact has been particularly severe in Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan, where approximately 2,400 jobs have disappeared over the past year.
“What we hear from people right here in Prince Albert and right across Saskatchewan is they’re working harder and harder and falling farther behind,” said Nathaniel Teed, Labour Shadow Minister. “Scott Moe throws himself a parade and claims everything is going well as working people scrape by.
“We know he’s only listening to his friends and insiders and, no doubt, some of them are making bank. However, everyday people tell us they can’t afford food, they can’t afford rent and the good-paying jobs just aren’t there for them after 20 years of Sask. Party failures.”
More than 40,000 Saskatchewan residents remain unemployed.
Mat Derworiz, a programmer and President of the Prince Albert and District Labour Council, said even those that are able to find jobs are dealing with stagnant wages in the face of sky-high inflation.
“Job seekers are being forced to take jobs that don’t match their skills and don’t pay the bills,” Derworiz said. “Employers are balancing budgets by leaving vacancies unfilled, which is putting more pressure on those doing the work.
“Then, we see a high youth unemployment rate, which is putting young people at risk and making them easy prey for organized crime.
“All of this comes down to a Sask. Party government that is failing workers and failing to build our economy for the future, right here in Prince Albert.”
According to Statistics Canada, Prince Albert and Northern Saskatchewan experienced one of the largest regional employment declines in the province over the past year, alongside losses in Yorkton-Melville and Swift Current-Moose Jaw.
"The Sask. Party loves talking about economic growth, but one of the clearest measures of economic success is whether people can find and keep good jobs," Teed said. "By that measure, Saskatchewan is falling behind most of Canada.
"Saskatchewan people work hard and they deserve a government with a plan to create opportunity in every corner of this province. It's time for change."