Statistics Canada is reporting that employment in Saskatchewan rose by 12,200 jobs in July, compared to July 2018. The 2.1 per cent increase marks 12 consecutive months of year-over-year job increases.

The province's unemployment rate was 5.4 per cent last month, down from 6.5 per cent from this time last year. That is the third-lowest among the provinces and below the national average of 5.7 per cent. 

Deputy Minister of Immigration and Career Training, Alastair MacFadden, says that there has been growth across a number of sectors. 

"What is most evident in year-over-year gains would be things like accommodation and food services. Agriculture and areas like health-care and social assistance are up significantly."

MacFadden says this demonstrates one of the strengths of Saskatchewan compared to other provinces whose economies and populations are less diverse. Additionally, these numbers also show the provincial economy's resilience against outside factors like the current international trade uncertainties. 

While increasing investments in retail trade and building permits contribute to the latest numbers, part of the growth is simply due to the province's demographics. 

"A significant portion of [the market growth] is driven by 'replacement demand.' Simply because we have a segment of our workforce that is working towards retirement, there are supervisors, managers, and leaders throughout the economy that are moving towards retirement and employers will be looking to replace them."

MacFadden says the active participation of Saskatchewan people in jobs is helping to fill jobs and that the job vacancy rate of 1.6%. In many places, vacancies are available but that they might not stay open for long.

Those looking for jobs should consider how their skills and aptitudes can be applied across different sectors. MacFadden advises that it's best not to define yourself just by your last job simply.