TrendLine Saskatchewan

 

TrendLine Saskatchewan - September 2021

While employment remains below 2019 levels, Saskatchewan has regained 57% of the job loss experienced in 2020

Stephen Johnson

MA
Chief Economist

August 2021 saw a year-over-year (August 2021 vs. August 2020) advance in the number of employed by 16,800. This moved average year-to-date employment up by 2.8% or 15,250 positions as of August 2021 over the same period in 2020. This represents a 57% claw back of the 26,800 job loss experienced in 2020. Despite a strong showing, total employment remains well behind 2019 levels. 

Most other major indicators are in positive territory led by total exports (up 18.5% and led by agricultural, energy products, metal and non-metallic mineral products, and forestry products), manufacturing shipments (up 37.1% and led by food, chemicals, and machinery), and housing starts (up 28.4%) owing to low interest rates and high savings.

More significantly, the consumer has returned to the market with retail sales, restaurant receipts, and new motor vehicle sales up over the same period last year. However, there are areas of concern: soft industrial building permits, slow population growth, slowing housing starts, a preponderance of part-time relative to full-time employment growth, weak wage growth (notably in retail trade), and potential inflationary pressures, which could lead to higher borrowing rates.

Composite Indicator Actual & Seasonally Adjusted

Key Indicator This Month

Employment

2.8%

August 2021 YTD

Employment

2.8%

August 2021 YTD

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This Issue's Economist:

Stephen Johnson

MA
Chief Economist

This Issue's Editor:

Kauron Cooper

BBA
Consulting Projects Manager


TrendLine Saskatchewan is published monthly by Praxis Consulting.