Saskatchewan loses 4,000 jobs in December as unemployment rate climbs

A worker installs flooring in Saskatoon on Nov. 22, 2025. (Hayatullah Amanat/CTV News)

Saskatchewan’s labour market weakened in December, with employment falling by 4,000 jobs and the unemployment rate rising 0.9 percentage points to 6.5 per cent.

Statistics Canada data shows the national economy added 8,200 jobs in December, though the national unemployment rate also increased, rising to 6.8 per cent from 6.5 per cent in November.

Statistics Canada defines unemployed individuals as those without work who are available for and actively seeking employment.

The Saskatchewan NDP said the figures signal trouble for the province’s economy.

“Saskatchewan should be the place to be, not the place to be from,” NDP Leader Carla Beck said. She added the youth unemployment climbed to 15 per cent.

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The party also said Saskatchewan recorded its first population decline in two decades outside of the COVID-19 pandemic, with 42,700 people now looking for work.

“Jobs and opportunities are down, power rates and taxes are up, and young people and skilled workers are leaving the province in droves,” said MLA Aleana Young, the shadow minister for jobs and the economy.

The Saskatchewan Party government, however, pointed to what it called strong annual performance in 2025. The province said Saskatchewan added 15,200 jobs last year and recorded the lowest annual unemployment rate among the provinces at 5.2 per cent.

“Our government is committed to ensuring this growth continues into 2026 and that Saskatchewan remains the best province in Canada to live, work and raise a family,” Immigration and Career Training Minister Eric Schmalz said.

According to the province, Saskatchewan reached record highs in full-time employment and labour force participation in 2025. The government said employment in Saskatoon and Regina increased by 2.0 per cent and 4.5 per cent, respectively.

While December’s decline raised concerns, the province said the long-term outlook for Saskatchewan’s labour market remains positive.