Saskatchewan Labour Market Bulletin

October 2011

Saskatchewan Labour Market Bulletin – October 2011 (PDF version, 108 kb)

The Labour Market Bulletin is produced monthly by economists and labour market analysts employed by Service Canada in the Western Canada and Territories Region.

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Editor, Labour Market Bulletin
Service Canada–Western Canada and Territories Region
Labour Market Information Services
Western Canada and Territories Region
Service Canada
1783 Hamilton Street
Regina, Saskatchewan, S4P 2B6

Province-wide

$55 million for affordable housing: The federal and provincial governments have entered into a joint agreement to develop and renovate affordable housing in Saskatchewan. Approximately $55 million will be spent over the next three years on new construction, renovation and allowances for shelters, home ownership and rent supplements. An upsurge in construction activity is expected as 70 new family units are already in the planning stages. Key Sources: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, September 6, 2011; Regina Leader-Post, September 7, 2011.

RBC forecasts Saskatchewan to lead in economic growth: Despite a contraction in Canada’s economy in the 2nd quarter, Saskatchewan will lead the country with 4.3% economic growth in 2011, according to Royal Bank of Canada (RBC). Agriculture is set to benefit from favourable growing conditions and high global grain prices this year. Potash, a key component of fertilizer and a major provincial export, is in heavy demand globally and is expected to remain so, as the world-wide appetite for grain remains strong. RBC’s outlook for 2012 is just as favourable, particularly for employment, which will grow by 2.4% in 2012 after a paltry 1% increase this year. Key Source: RBC Provincial Outlook September 2011.

SIAST settlement continues Saskatchewan trend: Labour peace at Saskatchewan Institute Advanced Science and Technology (SIAST) was reached September 16 when management and the unions representing 2,000 faculty and staff accepted parallel mediation reports as the basis for new contracts yet to be negotiated. Central to each report is a 5.5% wage increase over three years. This figure is identical to recent settlements affecting 525 workers at Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corporation (SCIC) and 825 workers at SaskEnergy, the provincial natural gas distribution company. Key Source: SIAST website, September 16, 2011.

BHP Billiton reaffirms commitment to Saskatchewan projects: BHP Billiton, the world’s biggest mining company, recently outlined plans to open as many as five separate potash operations in Saskatchewan. The announcement comes amid deteriorating international markets and just one year after the company lost over $300 million in a failed bid to takeover the province’s Potash Corp. The announcement is yet another demonstration of BHP Billiton's commitment to Saskatchewan. The company has invested billions in project exploration and development within the province, and it relocated its Canadian headquarters from B.C. to Saskatoon earlier this year. The first Billiton operation slated for completion is the previously announced Jansen mine, expected to create 2,000 construction jobs and 1,000 permanent ones. Key Source: The StarPhoenix, September 27, 2011.

Regina Area

Regina’s economic development agency recognized: U.S.-based Site Selection Magazine has high praise for Regina’s Regional Opportunities Commission (RROC). The magazine recently ranked RROC as one of Canada’s top ten economic development groups, one of only three outside of Ontario and Quebec. The ranking is a composite that showcases the development of the agencies themselves and the communities they represent. The magazine is distributed to 44,000 executives responsible for site selection and facility planning decisions around the world, and its praise adds to Regina’s growing international profile. Key Source: Site Selection Online, September 2011.

Regina rink closes: The Canlan Ice Sports arena shut down operations on August 31, citing competition with other arenas as the main reason for closing their doors. Approximately 15 full-year and 35 seasonal workers are affected by the closure. Key Source: Regina Leader-Post, September 1, 2011.

Ochapowace – Multiplex construction: Construction is set to begin on a new multiplex and sports park located on the Ochapowace First Nation. The Chief Denton George Memorial Multiplex and Sports Park will include: an arena, community hall, fitness centre and walking area. Construction of the new facility should provide employment opportunities for local band members. Key Sources: Broadview Express, August 29 and September 5, 2011; Whitewood Herald, September 5, 2011; and Grenfell Sun, September 3, 2011.

Regina – Stantec expanding operations: The growing Saskatchewan economy has prompted Stantec to expand its transportation group in the province. The group provides planning and design services for traffic and transportation projects, and consists of 26 employees based in Regina and Saskatoon, half of whom were hired within the last six months. The company plans to hire additional staff over the course of the next year. Key Source: Regina Leader-Post, September 7, 2011.

Regina – Condo/hotel project on again: Activity has resumed on Capital Pointe’s condominium/hotel development in Regina, which was delayed due to legal and financing issues. Demolition of the existing building will occur at the end of September, with new construction expected to begin in January. A 26 story condominium unit and Hilton Garden Inn hotel will be constructed at an estimated cost of $100 million. The project will create competing demand for engineers, project managers and skilled trades workers in an already tight construction labour market. Key Source: Regina Leader-Post, September 9, 2011.

Regina hiring climate described as upbeat: Despite anemic job growth throughout the first eight months of 2011, Regina can look forward to a positive fourth quarter hiring climate, according to Manpower Inc. Local survey results have 29% of employers intending to hire and only 3% intending to cut back. The resulting “net employment outlook” is down somewhat from the previous quarter but remains well ahead of the corresponding figure for last year. Whether or not these anticipated job gains accrue by year’s end, most forecasts have the Regina labour market picking up in 2012 due to increased economic activity. Key Source: Manpower 4Q11 Local News Release, September 13, 2011.

Regina to co-host 2013 Juno Awards: With the 2013 Juno awards still a year and a half away, committee members involved with Regina and Moose Jaw’s winning bid are hopeful that the event will provide the same kind of economic benefits experienced by other host locations in recent years. Saskatoon, for example, hosted the ceremonies in 2007, gaining nation-wide exposure and $10 million in immediate economic impacts. While Regina is the primary site, related JunoFest activities are also scheduled for Moose Jaw, 65 km away. This is the first time the event has been awarded to a combined bid of two cities. Key Source: Regina Leader-Post, September 15, 2011.

CGI partners with SaskTel to open software centre: CGI, the Montreal-based technology and business processes company, will open a software centre in Regina specializing in Germany’s SAP AG, an enterprise software used by large corporations and governments worldwide. As part of the seven-year, $22 million deal, SaskTel will become the new centre’s flagship client. SaskTel’s existing SAP processes will be turned over to the centre, thereby freeing up in-house SaskTel personnel for other duties. CGI currently employs 280 staff across Saskatchewan, serving such clients as SaskPower, SaskEnergy, Evraz and SaskTel. The new centre will hire about 70 IT professionals. Key Source: CGI press release, September 22, 2011.

Saskatoon and Rural West

Meadow Lake – New welding lab helps meet demand: Construction has been completed on a new addition to North West Regional College’s welding lab. As a result, training capacity at the facility has been doubled from 12 to 24 workstations. The increased capacity will allow more students to be trained and help meet a growing demand for welders in the province. Key Source: Saskatchewan Government News Release, August 31, 2011.

Kindersley Canadian Tire closing: Canadian Tire in Kindersley will be closing its doors at the end of September. Corporate headquarters has indicated that it is no longer profitable to support a store in the community. Approximately 17 full-time employees will be affected by the closure. Key Source: www.discoverkindersley.com website, September 2011.

Saskatoon – Health Science building project: The provincial government is committing more than $300 million towards the completion of two new medical buildings, as well as extensive renovations to the existing Health Sciences Building at the University of Saskatchewan. The project, which should be completed by 2016, will provide employment opportunities for trades workers over the course of the next several years. Once complete, this unique learning facility will attract skilled medical personnel, educators and researchers to the university. Key Source: University of Saskatchewan News Release, September 2, 2011.

Saskatoon – First Nations affordable housing project: Construction is underway on a $3 million, 27 room affordable housing project in Saskatoon’s Riversdale neighbourhood. The facility, which should be complete in November, will be available to First Nation students, as well as to Aboriginal people employed in entry-level jobs. Access to adequate and affordable housing is a key factor in determining successful outcomes in education and in the labour market. Key Source: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, September 2, 2011.

Warman – Restaurant creates jobs: A new Tim Hortons restaurant has opened in the community of Warman, located just north of Saskatoon. The restaurant will provide a number of service sector employment opportunities for local residents. Key Source: Sask Valley News, September 6, 2011.

Saskatoon – New resident facilities at university: The first phase of the University of Saskatchewan’s (U of S) undergraduate College Quarter residence has opened, while a second building will be complete next fall, and a new graduate residence will be ready for occupancy in early 2013. All together, the three new facilities will house 1,062 students. In addition to creating skilled trades jobs during the construction phase, these projects will help to alleviate an increasing demand for accommodations brought on by a growing student population. Key Source: U of S News Release, September 12 and 19, 2011.

Saskatoon – Vaccine research centre opens: The $140 million International Vaccine Centre (InterVac) has officially opened at the University of Saskatchewan. InterVac provides facilities for safe vaccine research and development against new and re-emerging infectious human and animal diseases. Producer groups and companies, as well as academic and government scientists, will gain access to the facility in early 2012. This containment Level 3 research centre is one of the most advanced facilities in the world, and one of a few that offers training opportunities for graduate students. Key Source: U of S News Release, September 16, 2011.

Saskatoon – Power station project creates jobs: In response to a growing demand for power, SaskPower is investing more than $550 million to add 200 megawatts of natural gas energy at its Queen Elizabeth Power Station. The project will see the construction of three 35-megawatt natural gas turbines, six steam generators and a steam turbine. Design and preparation work will take place in 2012 and 2013, while the majority of construction will be completed in 2014 and 2015. The project will create about 250 construction jobs and at least 10 permanent positions will be added at the power plant once the expansion is complete. Key Source: The StarPhoenix, September 23, 2011.

Saskatoon – Court House expansion: Construction will begin soon on an expansion and renovation project at the Court of Queen’s Bench Court House in Saskatoon. The provincial government is providing $13.8 million in funding for the first year of a three year project that will help to improve operating efficiency of the court house. Work on this project will create a number of job opportunites for skilled trades workers. Key Source: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, September 23, 2011.

South-East Saskatchewan

Estevan – New doctors begin to arrive: The arrival of several new doctors to Estevan will help alleviate a shortage of physicians in the community. One new physician has already opened a practice in the St. Joseph’s Hospital Foundation Clinic, while three other doctors have accepted positions in Estevan and are expected to arrive in the city over the course of the next few months. The Estevan Health Committee, the St. Joseph's Hospital and Foundation and the Sun Country Health Region continue their efforts to attract more physicians to the community. Key Source: Estevan Mercury, August 31, 2011.

Estevan – Work set to begin on new truck route: The location of a new $44 million truck route for the City of Estevan has been finalized. Work begins this fall on preconstruction activities including a right-of-way acquisition, design and utility moves. Construction of the road begins next year and will take about three years to complete. In addition to direct constructions jobs, the project will help generate new development opportunities in the Estevan area. Key Sources: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, September 16, 2011; Estevan Mercury, September 15, 2011; and Estevan Lifestyles, September 16, 2011.

Staffing changes at South East Cornerstone Division: A policy change, which addresses staffing requirements for special needs students, has resulted in a staffing shift at South East Cornerstone Public School Division. The division will employ fewer educational assistants this year – 181 compared to 215 last year. However, 17.6 full-time equivalent teaching positions and 1.5 full-time equivalent counsellor positions have been added. In total, the division employs about 25 professional positions for special needs students. Key Source: Estevan Mercury, September 14, 2011.

Ituna – Shortage of bus drivers: Prairie Valley School Division has a serious shortage of spare bus drivers and also needs drivers for regular bus routes. The school division employs more than 200 regular and spare drivers during the school year. While experienced applicants are needed by the school division, they will also train non-licensed drivers. Key Sources: Prairie Valley School Division News Release, September 13, 2011; The Ituna News, September 19, 2011.

South-West Saskatchewan

New Hospital for Moose Jaw: Construction of a new hospital, which will replace the aging Moose Jaw Union Hospital, is set to begin in 2013. The provincial government will contribute 80% of the estimated $100 million cost, while the balance will be funded by the community of Moose Jaw. The project will create job opportunities for engineers, project managers, skilled labour and trades people during the construction phase. Key Sources: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, August 30, 2011; Moose Jaw Times Herald, August 31, 2011.

Swift Current – New affordable housing complex: Construction is underway on Silver Sage Housing Corporation’s new $4.6 million, 22 unit affordable housing complex in Swift Current. Not only will this project create employment opportunities during the construction phase, but it will also help boost the city’s housing supply and provide an affordable housing option for First Nations families. Key Sources: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, September 26, 2011; Swift Current Online, September 27, 2011. 

Northern Saskatchewan

Prince Albert – Employment development projects: The federal and provincial governments have announced plans for two employment development projects aimed at individuals facing barriers to employment. The Prince Albert and District Community Service Centres’ Creating Self-Sufficiency project will receive $46,000 to help 24 people with disabilities find jobs or go back to school. Furthermore, the centre will receive $28,000 in Skills Link funding for its Community Service Centre project that will help 15 young people overcome barriers to employment and education. Key Source: Government of Canada, August 31, 2011.

Blaine Lake – Construction underway on new Cree River Trading Post: Local sub-contractors have started work on the ‘Cree River Trading Post’ in Blaine Lake. The store will sell aboriginal jewellery, local crafts, camping and fishing supplies, liquidation items and coffee. It will also provide access to the internet. The new store should provide a number of job opportunities for those seeking employment in the retail sector. Key Source: Saskatchewan Valley News, September 2011.

Tisdale – Construction of new health care facility: Construction is underway on Tisdale’s new $18.4 million, 73 bed long-term care resident centre. The new centre will replace an aging, 40 bed facility once it is complete in late 2013. Not only will the project create job opportunities for skilled trades workers, local sales and service sector businesses should also benefit from the construction activity. Key Source: Tisdale Recorder, September 14, 2011.

Melfort – New hotel creates jobs: A new 67 room Canalta Hotel opened for business in Melfort at the beginning of September. The hotel employs 60 workers, including housekeepers, desk clerks and night auditors. With a staff of this size, the hotel is a significant source of employment for the community. Key Source: Melfort Journal, September 20, 2011.