Legislative Report
February 17, 2022

2022 Off to Great Economic Start

New figures released to start 2022 confirm that Saskatchewan is well on its way to leading the economic recovery. Groundwork started with last fall’s Speech from the Throne has allowed for solid advancement.

Statistics Canada reports that for January 2022, Saskatchewan added 24,600 jobs, five per cent more than January of last year. Seasonally adjusted figures show that we have not only returned to normal employment figures but have surpassed pre-COVID employment statistics. Specifically, January 2022 saw seasonally adjusted employment reach 574,600 or 500 positions more than February 2020.

Off-reserve Aboriginal employment hit a record for January with 56,900 jobs, and the youth unemployment rate dropped just under 10 per cent, the fourth-lowest in the country. Overall, the unemployment rate for Saskatchewan fell to 5.5 per cent, well below the national average.

The good news includes export figures for 2021. Setting a new high for the province, Saskatchewan saw $37.1 billion worth of products leave for export around the world. That’s nearly 25 per cent more than what we saw for exports in 2020 and breaks a record from 2014 when over $35 billion in exports were shipped.

Agriculture and agri-food exports dominated the report, setting a new record. Despite environmental challenges such as drought, ag exports were valued at $17.5 billion and accounted for more than half of all export products last year. Demand for Saskatchewan products will increase further as more value-added businesses are developed within our borders. Examples like the new canola crushing plants and bio-diesel facility announced this winter will expand the industry.

Significant growth was also realized as manufacturing sales increased 36 per cent year over year, while wholesale trade grew 32 per cent. Growth in these two key economic sectors shows the strength of Saskatchewan’s economy and the positive efforts that are being made to create good jobs for our communities.

Removal of COVID-19 Restrictions

Adding to the sense of normalcy will be the recently announced changes to COVID-19 protocols. The Proof of Vaccination or Negative Test requirement has been removed while wearing a mask will become optional at the end of February. We must learn to live with COVID-19 and make wise decisions, just like we do with other communicable diseases.

If you haven’t yet, please consider getting vaccinated, as it is the best way to avoid serious illness related to the virus. Wash your hands, continue to use hand sanitizer, self-monitor, self-test and stay home if you are sick. With these small extra efforts, we can come together to help our family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers stay healthy.

Finally, congratulations to my new colleague, Jim Lemaigre, MLA-elect for the constituency of Athabasca. Jim will be sworn-in as the new representative for northwest Saskatchewan at the start of the Spring Sitting of the Legislature early next month. We all look forward to working alongside Jim as he advances the interests of his constituents and all of Saskatchewan.