Saskatchewan Labour Market Bulletin

September 2011

Saskatchewan Labour Market Bulletin – September 2011 (PDF version, 94 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

House construction to increase in 2011: Demand for housing and the resulting demand for construction workers in Saskatchewan is expected to remain buoyant this year. Population and employment growth are maintaining demand with a 3.3% increase in housing starts expected by the end of this year. Total housing starts in the province are forecast to hit 6,100 in 2011. The outlook for 2012 is for a decline as builders focus on the sale and completion of units currently underway. Key Source: Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, Third Quarter Housing Market Outlook, August 2011.

Strong economic growth forecast: Production gains in potash and increased investment in Saskatchewan’s energy sector will be the key drivers for the provincial economy in 2011. As a result, provincial gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to grow by 3.8% this year. Strong economic performance in these sectors should, in turn, spark job creation in the latter half of this year and help the province attract domestic and international migrants. Key Source: Conference Board of Canada, ‘Provincial Outlook Executive Summary – Summer 2011’, August 1, 2011.

Exports on the rise: While Canadian merchandise exports fell in June, demand for Saskatchewan goods continues, especially in agriculture, energy, automotive and industrial sectors. Exports produced $2.3 billion for the Province in June, close to 30% higher than the same period last year. Total merchandise exports in 2010 were $23.9 billion, almost 10% above 2009. Key Sources: Statistics Canada, August 11, 2011; Government of Saskatchewan News Release, August 11, 2011.

Manufacturing sales surge: Saskatchewan was third in the country for manufacturing sales during the month of June. However, the province led the nation with a 21% boom in sales from June of last year. This is well above the 2.3% Canadian average. Key Source: Statistics Canada, August 16, 2011.

Highway repairs add to already busy construction season: The provincial government is investing an additional $66 million into this year’s budget to repair highways damaged by flooding. These repairs will create approximately 180 direct construction jobs (mostly heavy equipment operators, labourers/helpers and truck drivers). Saskatchewan Highways has identified approximately 400 repair projects, including damaged or destroyed roads, bridges and culverts. Highway crews and contractors are busy repairing the damage and work will continue into the winter months. Key Source: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, August 23, 2011.

Regina Area

Regina – New retail stores in Grasslands: Demand is growing for customer-service and hospitality-related employees as companies begin to occupy the new Grasslands shopping area. Lowe’s home improvement centre opens in September, while an additional 12 retail stores and restaurants are slated to open by the end of this year. Key Source: The Regina Leader-Post, August 18, 2011.

Regina – Revitalization plan approved: Two core areas in Regina are being re-developed to help stimulate commercial and residential growth. An entertainment and sport facility will be built north of downtown by 2016, while new residential, commercial and retail developments will be built on the current Mosaic Stadium site. The $1 billion project, which will be financed primarily through private investment, is expected to take 10 to 15 years to complete, providing long-term employment opportunities in the construction industry. Key Source: The Regina Leader-Post, August 19 and 23, 2011.

Saskatoon and Rural West

Saskatoon – Vacant lot incentive program spurs construction activity: The City of Saskatoon’s new incentive program to turn vacant lots into affordable housing complexes and office buildings is proving to be popular with developers. Five applications for the program have received approval, while another seven proposals are under review. Projects include: two multi-family affordable housing projects already under construction in the Riversdale area, as well as two commercial projects planned for the downtown. Along with maintaining brisk construction activity, the program will help to revitalize core neighbourhoods and aid in the development of Saskatoon’s downtown area. Key Source: StarPhoenix, August 5, 2011.

Saskatoon – Renovation project about to get underway: Affinity Credit Union has purchased the former First Nations University campus located in Saskatoon’s City Park Neighborhood. Affinity will spend $13 million to preserve and renovate the historical building into office space for 170 administrative employees. Along with providing trades jobs during the construction phase, the project will help to rejuvenate the neighborhood and potentially increase activity for other businesses in the area. Construction is set to begin this month with a tentative move-in date scheduled for March 2013. Key Source: StarPhoenix, August 9, 2011.

Saskatoon – Office space in demand: Four new office developments, currently under construction in downtown Saskatoon, will help to relieve pressure on tight vacancy rates. Saskatoon is experiencing high demand for office space from new and expanding businesses, and these developments point to the city’s strong economic growth. Key Source: StarPhoenix, August 18, 2011.

Lloydminster – Growth leads to new school infrastructure: Demand for French immersion education in Lloydminster has resulted in construction of the new École St. Thomas Elementary School. The $21 million school, which opens in September 2013, will also be home to 72 new childcare spaces. Plans to construct a new elementary school and a new high school in the community are also in the works, due to strong population growth and increased student enrolments. Along with providing trades jobs during construction, these developments provide the potential for new employment opportunities in the education and childcare sectors. Key Source: Lloydminster Source, August 18, 2011.

Saskatoon – City’s seasonal staff reduced for 2012: Saskatoon City Council is conducting a service expenditure review in an attempt to cut costs. The City has already decided to reduce its 290 seasonal parks staff by 10 positions next year. Council is continuing its review this week, which could lead to additional job cuts in other departments. Key Source: Saskatoon StarPhoenix, August 24, 2011.

Biggar – Major employer plans to layoff staff:  Reduced demand for its product has forced Prairie Malt Ltd. to adjust production. As a result, the barley processor plans to layoff 35 of its 70 employees by the end of 2011. The job losses will be a significant blow to the agriculture community of just over 2,000 people. Key Source: www.grainews.ca, August 24, 2011.

Saskatoon – ISM Canada to open office: Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) has reached an agreement for ISM Canada to become their IT service provider. The agreement means that 27 Federated Co-op IT service employees will transfer to ISM Canada’s new Saskatoon office when it opens next March. However, seven jobs will be cut at FCL as a result of the partnership. Key Source: Saskatoon StarPhoenix, August 26, 2011.

South-East Saskatchewan

Redvers – New hotel construction: Western Star Inn and Suites is constructing a new hotel in Redvers. The development helps to address a need for additional accommodations in the community. Once complete, the hotel operation will require managers, a minimum of five front desk agents, as well as housekeepers. Key Source: Redvers Optimist, August 13, 2011.

Whitewood – Business closure: Structural damage, caused by heavy rains, has forced the closure of Hamilton’s Family Foods in Whitewood. Approximately eight staff members are temporarily out of work, while the store owner determines the future of the business. Source: The Whitewood Herald, August 15, 2011.

Estevan – Staples opens: Stationery and office equipment retail outlet, Staples, has opened a new store in Estevan. The store will provide employment for approximately 25 people. Key Source: Estevan Mercury, August 17, 2011.

Roche Percee – Post flood recovery: Almost 40 homes in the Village of Roche Percee need to be demolished because of damage caused by spring flooding. Cleanup work is already underway and plans are being made for a temporary sub-division with ready-to-move homes for 26 families. Many residents intend to rebuild their homes in the community, which will present employment opportunities for construction and trades workers in the months ahead. Key Source: MySask.com, August 30, 2011.

South-West Saskatchewan

Shaunavon – New hotel: A hotel development agreement has been reached between the Town of Shaunavon and Canalta Group. Approximately 50 construction workers will be hired prior to October for the building phase of an $8 million, 57 bed hotel. Once the project is complete in August 2012, the hotel will employ about 20 people. Key Source: Shaunavon Standard, August 3, 2011.

Kindersley – Medical clinic recruiting doctors: Heartland Health Region is hiring a recruitment agent to help fill 12 physician positions at its new Kindersley Regional Medical Arts Clinic. The $2.25 million clinic is slated to open in September. However, the clinic is expected to open with less than half the desired number of physicians due to recruitment difficulties and delays with immigration and certification. Key Source: The Clarion, August 3, 2011.

Shaunavon hospital hires short-term nurses: Summer closures at Shaunavon Hospital have been avoided. The Cypress Health Region, with the help of recruiting agencies, hired two temporary nurses to ensure that services at the hospital would not be disrupted. While permanent recruitment is desired, attracting potential nurses to the rural community is an ongoing challenge. Key Source: The Regina Leader-Post, August 16, 2011.

Temporary lay-offs cancelled: Bombardier has rescinded lay-off notices to 44 employees working at the Moose Jaw and Cold Lake Canadian Forces bases. The employees, mostly mechanics, were previously given notice after CT-155 Hawk jets were grounded due to an accident investigation. Key Sources: Moose Jaw Times Herald, August 26, 2011.

Northern Saskatchewan

Prince Albert Pulp Incorporated Re-Opens: Paper Excellence has re-opened the pulp mill in Prince Albert and plans to spend $30 million to convert the facility into a pulp dissolving mill by September 2012. This plan will have a significant impact on Prince Albert and surrounding communities as it will create 250 jobs at the mill and another 700 jobs in support industries such as harvesting and trucking. There are currently 20 people working at the mill, and Paper Excellence plans to hire an additional 10 workers this summer. The majority of skilled workers and operators are expected to be hired in 2012. Key Source: Newstalk 650, August 3, 2011; www.saskatoonhomepage.ca, August 3, 2011.

Big River – Sawmill and Planer Mill Development: Carrier Forest Products Ltd. plans to establish a mill complex near Big River. The BC-based company may purchase the existing Big River Sawmill from EACOM Timber or they could build a brand new mill. Both options would provide jobs and economic benefits to hundreds of people from the Town of Big River, Big River First Nations and the surrounding areas. In addition to construction, harvesting, hauling and reforestation jobs, the mill would create employment for up to 110 people. Key Sources: panow.com; Government of Saskatchewan, August 4, 2011.

Big River – New Centre of Excellence: Construction has begun on the new innovative Centre of Excellence located on Big River First Nation. The centre will house the University of Saskatchewan’s Indian Teacher Education Program, Community Access Program, a laundromat, a consignment store, a clothing repair and sewing centre and a kitchen. The $1.66 million project will create 10 to 15 jobs during the construction phase as well as several opportunities in teaching, counselling and skills-building occupations when the centre opens next spring. Key Sources: Shellbrook Chronicle, August 19, 2011; Government of Saskatchewan, September 22, 2010; Business Messenger, Fall 2010.

Prince Albert – Pine Grove Provincial Correctional Centre Expansion: A $12 million expansion project is underway at the women’s correctional centre in Prince Albert. Over the next two years, construction workers will build a new facility that will eventually house 60 inmates in 30 cells. The expansion should provide additional jobs in corrections once the facility opens in spring 2013. Key Source: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, August 25, 2011.

Meadow Lake – Agriculture office opens: The provincial government has opened a new agriculture office in Meadow Lake. The office is one of seven new satellite agriculture offices that have been opened in Saskatchewan this year. While these offices are not likely to create many jobs, the services they provide are important to local agricultural producers and ranchers. Key Source: Government of Saskatchewan News Release, August 26, 2011.