January sees over 16,000 new jobs in Sask

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Recently released January labour force figures from Statistics Canada show Saskatchewan is off to a strong start in 2023, with 16,400 new jobs when compared to January 2022, an increase of 2.9 per cent.

“Our province is off to a great start in 2023, with thousands of new jobs across many of Saskatchewan’s various and vital industries,” said Immigration and Career Training Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“The province’s economy is full of opportunity for newcomers and residents alike, and our government looks forward to strong, continued growth that works for everyone in the coming year.”

The seasonally adjusted provincial unemployment rate was 4.3 per cent in January, down from 5.6 per cent in January 2022 and down from 4.4 per cent compared to December 2022.

The rate is the third lowest among the provinces, and below the national average of 5.0 per cent.

Saskatchewan saw record highs for the month of January:

- Provincial labour force reached 606,300;

- Total provincial employment reached 578,600; and

- Total full-time employment reached 466,600.

- Full-time employment increased by 4,700 (+1 per cent), with part-time employment increasing by 11,500 (+11.5 per cent). There were also increases in youth population, which rose to 3,200 (+2.4 per cent), and employment, which is up 1,400 (+1.9 per cent) compared to last January.

Off-reserve Indigenous employment was up 2,500 (+4.4 per cent) for 26 consecutive months of yearover-year increases.

Indigenous youth employment was up

Supporting internationally-educated nurses in Alberta

The Alberta government is creating more than 600 new seats for nurse bridging programs and investing in a new bursary for internationally educated nurses.

Alberta’s government will work to have the right supports in place to ensure Albertans get the care they need, when and where they need it.

Through Budget 2023, Alberta’s government would invest more than $15 million to train and support more internationally educated nurses.

This will ensure Alberta’s healthcare system remains strong now, and in the future.

“We are reducing barriers for internationally educated nurses to come to Alberta. This is truly a ‘win-win’ for our province, and will help us train more nurses to keep our health-care system strong now, and in the future,” said Minister of Advanced Education Demetrios Nicolaides.

Under Budget 2023, Alberta’s government would invest $7.8 million annually to fund non-repayable financial assistance for internationally educated nurses. This builds on last fall’s $1.25-million funding announcement to fund new financial assistance for internationally educated nurses.

Eligible internation -

2,000 (+25.3 per cent) for two consecutive months of year-overyear increases. Major year-over-year gains were reported for health care and social assistance, up 4,900 (+5.6 per cent), with professional, scientific and technical services, up 3,800 (+15.1 per cent), and educational services, up 3,000 (+6.1 per cent). ally educated nurses would be able to access as much as $30,000 over five years to help offset the costs of nursing bridging programs, tuition and living expenses. The bursary will be available in the 2023-24 academic year.

Any internationally educated nurse learner living in Alberta, who has successfully enrolled in an approved bridging program, will be eligible for the bursary regardless of their eligibility for any other federal or provincial student aid