
INSIDE
- Labour Market
- Saskatchewan Economy
- Consumer
- Manufacturing Sales
- International Trade
- Construction
- Culture
- Population
- TrendLine Report Card
TrendLine Saskatchewan - June 2024
Professional, scientific and technical services, Business, building and other support services, and educational services continue to lead growth in 2024.

Stephen Johnson
MA
Chief Economist
The first 5 months of 2024 saw a slight acceleration of the annual average rate of employment growth to 2.3% from 2.2%. in April. By industry, growth has been concentrated in Professional, scientific and technical services, Business, building and other support services, and educational services. However, the unemployment rate, the number of unemployed, and the number of individuals of working age not participating in the labor force are on the rise despite increasing employment as labour force growth continues to outpace job growth. Housing starts slowed in May and are now barely ahead of 2023 year to date figures. Non-residential building permits are up while manufacturing sales, exports, and wholesale and retail trade are down. Inflation is at 1.5% and can be viewed as being under control. Average weekly earnings are increasing at a rate slightly above the rate of inflation and continuing population advances are influencing growth in restaurant receipts and motor vehicle sales.
TrendLine Saskatchewan - June 2024
INSIDE
- Labour Market
- Saskatchewan Economy
- Consumer
- Manufacturing Sales
- International Trade
- Construction
- Culture
- Population
- TrendLine Report Card
Professional, scientific and technical services, Business, building and other support services, and educational services continue to lead growth in 2024.
The first 5 months of 2024 saw a slight acceleration of the annual average rate of employment growth to 2.3% from 2.2%. in April. By industry, growth has been concentrated in Professional, scientific and technical services, Business, building and other support services, and educational services. However, the unemployment rate, the number of unemployed, and the number of individuals of working age not participating in the labor force are on the rise despite increasing employment as labour force growth continues to outpace job growth. Housing starts slowed in May and are now barely ahead of 2023 year to date figures. Non-residential building permits are up while manufacturing sales, exports, and wholesale and retail trade are down. Inflation is at 1.5% and can be viewed as being under control. Average weekly earnings are increasing at a rate slightly above the rate of inflation and continuing population advances are influencing growth in restaurant receipts and motor vehicle sales.

Stephen Johnson
MA
Chief Economist
Composite Indicator Actual & Seasonally Adjusted
Key Indicator This Month
Employment 2.3% |
|
June 2024 YTD |
Employment
2.3%
June 2024 YTD
Labour Market
Average YTD unemployment rate up to 5.4% moving into March 2024.
Unemployment Rate 5.6% |
|
May 2024 YTD |
Year-to-date employment in May 2024 was up over the same period in 2023 in Resource Extraction (500), Manufacturing (1,140), Wholesale and Retail Trade (1,740), Transportation and warehousing (1,800), Professional, scientific and technical services (6,640), Business, building and other support services (2,780), Educational services (3,800), Information, culture and recreation (2,460), and Accommodation and food services (1,000).
Year-to-date employment in May 2024 was down in Agriculture (-2,640), Utilities (-1,420), Construction (-1,700), Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (-860), Health care and social assistance (-660), Other services (-60), and Public administration (-1,300).
- Total average year-to-date employment in Saskatchewan was up by 2.3% or 13,280 positions in May 2024 over the same period in 2023.
The average year-to-date unemployment rate moved from 4.8% in May 2023 to 5.6% in May 2024.
Year-to-date, the average number of unemployed is up 6,000 to 35,580 In May 2024 from 29,580 in May 2023.
In addition, the number of those of labour force age but not in the labour force increased by 7,520 over the same time period amid growing unemployment.
- Among Economic Regions, Economic Region 30 (Saskatoon-Biggar) had the highest annual average increase in employment in May 2024 at 5.7% followed by Economic Region 10 (Regina-Moose Mountain) at 3.9%. Economic Region 50-60 Prince Albert and Northern Unemployment had the lowest unemployment rate at 5.0% followed by Economic Region 30 (Saskatoon-Biggar) at 5.1%.
Year-to-date, March 2024 average weekly earnings were up 2.4% over March 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted increases were Goods producing industries (1.0%), Construction (3.5%), Manufacturing (1.2%), Service producing industries (2.7%), Trade (3.0%), Transportation and warehousing (4.7%), Information and cultural industries (2.8%), Professional, scientific and technical services (4.5%), Management of companies and enterprises (18.8%), Health care and social assistance (5.7%), Arts, entertainment and recreation (2.5%), Accommodation and food services (16.9%), and other services (except public administration) (3.3%).
- Sub-sectors that posted decreases were Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (-1.2%), Finance and insurance (-2.1%), Real estate and rental and leasing (-9.7%), Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (-2.0%), and educational services (-1.1%).
Year-to-date employment in May 2024 was up over the same period in 2023 in Resource Extraction (500), Manufacturing (1,140), Wholesale and Retail Trade (1,740), Transportation and warehousing (1,800), Professional, scientific and technical services (6,640), Business, building and other support services (2,780), Educational services (3,800), Information, culture and recreation (2,460), and Accommodation and food services (1,000).
Year-to-date employment in May 2024 was down in Agriculture (-2,640), Utilities (-1,420), Construction (-1,700), Finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (-860), Health care and social assistance (-660), Other services (-60), and Public administration (-1,300).
- Total average year-to-date employment in Saskatchewan was up by 2.3% or 13,280 positions in May 2024 over the same period in 2023.
The average year-to-date unemployment rate moved from 4.8% in May 2023 to 5.6% in May 2024.
Year-to-date, the average number of unemployed is up 6,000 to 35,580 In May 2024 from 29,580 in May 2023.
In addition, the number of those of labour force age but not in the labour force increased by 7,520 over the same time period amid growing unemployment.
- Among Economic Regions, Economic Region 30 (Saskatoon-Biggar) had the highest annual average increase in employment in May 2024 at 5.7% followed by Economic Region 10 (Regina-Moose Mountain) at 3.9%. Economic Region 50-60 Prince Albert and Northern Unemployment had the lowest unemployment rate at 5.0% followed by Economic Region 30 (Saskatoon-Biggar) at 5.1%.
Year-to-date, March 2024 average weekly earnings were up 2.4% over March 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted increases were Goods producing industries (1.0%), Construction (3.5%), Manufacturing (1.2%), Service producing industries (2.7%), Trade (3.0%), Transportation and warehousing (4.7%), Information and cultural industries (2.8%), Professional, scientific and technical services (4.5%), Management of companies and enterprises (18.8%), Health care and social assistance (5.7%), Arts, entertainment and recreation (2.5%), Accommodation and food services (16.9%), and other services (except public administration) (3.3%).
- Sub-sectors that posted decreases were Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction (-1.2%), Finance and insurance (-2.1%), Real estate and rental and leasing (-9.7%), Administrative and support, waste management and remediation services (-2.0%), and educational services (-1.1%).
Unemployment Rate
5.6%
May 2024 YTD
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Labour Market | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Employment | 598200 | 614400 | 583020 | 596300 | - | - | |||
Unemployment Rate (%) | 4.1 | 5.4 | 4.8 | 5.6 | - | - | |||
Average Weekly Earnings ($) | 1182 | 1208 | 1166 | 1193 | - | - |
Saskatchewan Economy
Real GDP expected to slow (1.8%) entering 2024
Real GDP Forecast: 2024 0.5% |
|
Saskatchewan Finance |
According to the Saskatchewan Finance in its 2023-2024 budget forecast, real GDP is predicted to slow down significantly from the 4.8% increase in 2021 to 1.3% for 2022 and 1.8% in 2024.
Real GDP expected to slow (1.8%) entering 2024
According to the Saskatchewan Finance in its 2023-2024 budget forecast, real GDP is predicted to slow down significantly from the 4.8% increase in 2021 to 1.3% for 2022 and 1.8% in 2024.
Real GDP Forecast: 2024
0.5%
Saskatchewan Finance
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Saskatchewan Economy | 2022 | 2023 (Forecast) | Change | % Change | - | - | - | - | |
Gross Domestic Product (2007 $M) | 1.3% | 1.8% | - | - | - | - |
Consumer
March 2024 year-to-date retail trade is up by 5.3% over the same period in 2023.
New Motor Vehicle Sales 16% |
|
March 2024 YTD |
Restaurant Receipts 5.3% |
|
March 2024 YTD |
The average year-to-date rate of change in the all-items Consumer Price Index (inflation) in April 2024 over April 2023 was 1.5%. The largest contributors were food (3.3%), shelter (4.1%), recreation, education and reading (8.0%) and Health and personal care (2.9%).
March 2024 year-to-date retail trade was down by -0.8% over the same period in 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted increases were Gasoline stations (4.7%), Furniture and home furnishings stores (12.5%), Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (4.3%), Health and personal care stores (7.5%), Grocery stores (4.7%), General merchandise stores (4.4%), and all other (24.2%).
- During the same time period, new car dealers (-9.4%), Used car dealers (-26.9%), Electronics and appliance stores (-9.8%), Clothing and clothing accessories stores (-0.4%), Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores (-8.7%), and Beer, wine and liquor stores (-40.2%) posted declines.
March 2024 year-to-date new motor vehicle (units) sales were up 16.0% from March 2023. New minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses sales were up 16.2% while new passenger cars sales were also up 12.8%.
March 2024 year-to-date restaurant receipts were up 5.3% over the same period in 2023. Within restaurant receipt, Special food services (6.4%), Full-service restaurants (1.3%), and Limited-service eating places (7.7%) increased. At the same time, declines were noted in Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) (-4.6%).
The average year-to-date rate of change in the all-items Consumer Price Index (inflation) in April 2024 over April 2023 was 1.5%. The largest contributors were food (3.3%), shelter (4.1%), recreation, education and reading (8.0%) and Health and personal care (2.9%).
March 2024 year-to-date retail trade was down by -0.8% over the same period in 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted increases were Gasoline stations (4.7%), Furniture and home furnishings stores (12.5%), Building material and garden equipment and supplies dealers (4.3%), Health and personal care stores (7.5%), Grocery stores (4.7%), General merchandise stores (4.4%), and all other (24.2%).
- During the same time period, new car dealers (-9.4%), Used car dealers (-26.9%), Electronics and appliance stores (-9.8%), Clothing and clothing accessories stores (-0.4%), Sporting goods, hobby, book and music stores (-8.7%), and Beer, wine and liquor stores (-40.2%) posted declines.
March 2024 year-to-date new motor vehicle (units) sales were up 16.0% from March 2023. New minivans, sport-utility vehicles, light and heavy trucks, vans and buses sales were up 16.2% while new passenger cars sales were also up 12.8%.
March 2024 year-to-date restaurant receipts were up 5.3% over the same period in 2023. Within restaurant receipt, Special food services (6.4%), Full-service restaurants (1.3%), and Limited-service eating places (7.7%) increased. At the same time, declines were noted in Drinking places (alcoholic beverages) (-4.6%).
New Motor Vehicle Sales
16%
March 2024 YTD
Restaurant Receipts
5.3%
March 2024 YTD
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Consumer | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Consumer Price Index (2002=100) | 160.4 | 162.0 | 158.4 | 160.8 | - | - | |||
Retail Trade Total ($000s) | 2078409 | 1962910 | 5545016 | 5502706 | - | - | |||
New Motor Vehicle Sales (units) | 3639 | 4292 | 9280 | 10763 | - | - | |||
Restaurant Receipts ($000s) | 193784 | 201824 | 539257 | 565643 | - | - |
Manufacturing Sales
March 2024 manufacturing sales down -7.0% YTD.
March 2024 wholesale trade down -37.0% YTD.
Manufacturing Sales -7.0% |
|
March 2024 YTD |
Wholesale Trade -37.0% |
|
March 2024 YTD |
March 2024 year-to-date manufacturing sales were down by -7.0% over the same period in 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted decreases were Food manufacturing sales (-13.2%), Machinery manufacturing sales (-5.9%), Fabricated metal product manufacturing sales (-7.1%), and All other Manufacturing sales (-4.1%).
March 2024 year-to-date wholesale trade was down -37.0% over the same period in 2023.
- Food, beverage and tobacco merchant wholesalers (43.7%), and Personal and household goods merchant wholesalers (1.3%), all posted increases while Farm product merchant wholesalers (-23.6%), Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories merchant wholesalers (-6.9%) saw declines.
March 2024 wholesale trade down -37.0% YTD.
March 2024 year-to-date manufacturing sales were down by -7.0% over the same period in 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted decreases were Food manufacturing sales (-13.2%), Machinery manufacturing sales (-5.9%), Fabricated metal product manufacturing sales (-7.1%), and All other Manufacturing sales (-4.1%).
March 2024 year-to-date wholesale trade was down -37.0% over the same period in 2023.
- Food, beverage and tobacco merchant wholesalers (43.7%), and Personal and household goods merchant wholesalers (1.3%), all posted increases while Farm product merchant wholesalers (-23.6%), Motor vehicle and motor vehicle parts and accessories merchant wholesalers (-6.9%) saw declines.
Manufacturing Sales
-7.0%
March 2024 YTD
Wholesale Trade
-37.0%
March 2024 YTD
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Manufacturing Sales | Mar 2023 | Mar 2024 | Change | % Change | Mar 2023 | Mar 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Manufacturing Sales Total ($000s) | 2406801 | 2131867 | 6931760 | 6446401 | - | - | |||
Wholesale Trade ($000s) | 5308382 | 4439369 | 12410378 | 12258660 | - | - |
International Trade
Total International merchandise exports were down -24.1% year-to-date April 2024 over April 2023.
Total International Merchandise Exports -24.1% |
|
April 2024 YTD |
Total International merchandise exports were down -24.1% year-to-date April 2024 over April 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted increases were Energy products (17.6%), Metal and non-metallic mineral products (11.6%), Basic and industrial chemical, plastic and rubber products (51.1%), Forestry products and building and packaging materials (11.1%), Motor vehicles and parts (14.4%), and Consumer goods (9.5%).
- Sub-sectors that posted decreases were Farm, fishing and intermediate food products (-26.3%), Metal ores and non-metallic minerals (-43.6%), Industrial machinery, equipment and parts (-35.5%), Electronic and electrical equipment and parts (-17.5%), Aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts (-43.1%), and Special transactions (-0.4%).
Total International merchandise exports were down -24.1% year-to-date April 2024 over April 2023.
- Sub-sectors that posted increases were Energy products (17.6%), Metal and non-metallic mineral products (11.6%), Basic and industrial chemical, plastic and rubber products (51.1%), Forestry products and building and packaging materials (11.1%), Motor vehicles and parts (14.4%), and Consumer goods (9.5%).
- Sub-sectors that posted decreases were Farm, fishing and intermediate food products (-26.3%), Metal ores and non-metallic minerals (-43.6%), Industrial machinery, equipment and parts (-35.5%), Electronic and electrical equipment and parts (-17.5%), Aircraft and other transportation equipment and parts (-43.1%), and Special transactions (-0.4%).
Total International Merchandise Exports
-24.1%
April 2024 YTD
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
International Trade | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | |
International Trade Domestic Exports ($000s) | 3833424 | 3171903 | 16033267 | 12163071 | - | - | |||
International Trade Imports ($000s) | 1351281 | 1452059 | 5358957 | 5632927 | - | - | |||
Net International Merchandise Trade ($000s) | 2482143 | 1719844 | 10674310 | 6530144 | - | - |
Construction
Total year-to-date housing starts are up 0.7% in May 2024 over the same period in 2023.
Construction Employment -4.1% |
|
May 2024 YTD |
Housing Starts 0.7% |
|
May 2024 YTD |
Year-to-date May 2024 construction employment was down -1,700 or -4.1% from the same period in 2023.
May 2024, total year-to-date housing starts were up by 8 units or 0.7% over the same period in 2023. Year-to-date increases were observed in singles (50 units or 17.1%), row (7 units or 6.0%). Year-to-date declines were limited to apartment and other types (-49 units or-7.6%).
The average year-to-date Housing Price Index Benchmark Composite Price was up from $318,800 in May 2023 to $332,400 in May 2024 or 4.3%.
April 2024 year-to-date building permits were up 15.3% over the same period in 2023. Sub-sectors that posted increases were Industrial (229.1%), commercial (29.7%), and institutional and governmental (31.0%), During the same time period, declines were limited to Residential (-31.4%).
Year-to-date May 2024 construction employment was down -1,700 or -4.1% from the same period in 2023.
May 2024, total year-to-date housing starts were up by 8 units or 0.7% over the same period in 2023. Year-to-date increases were observed in singles (50 units or 17.1%), row (7 units or 6.0%). Year-to-date declines were limited to apartment and other types (-49 units or-7.6%).
The average year-to-date Housing Price Index Benchmark Composite Price was up from $318,800 in May 2023 to $332,400 in May 2024 or 4.3%.
April 2024 year-to-date building permits were up 15.3% over the same period in 2023. Sub-sectors that posted increases were Industrial (229.1%), commercial (29.7%), and institutional and governmental (31.0%), During the same time period, declines were limited to Residential (-31.4%).
Construction Employment
-4.1%
May 2024 YTD
Housing Starts
0.7%
May 2024 YTD
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Construction | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Housing Starts Total (Units) | 187 | 146 | 1106 | 1114 | - | - | |||
Building Permits Total ($000s) | 157300 | 173424 | 542421 | 625215 | - | - | |||
Building Permits Residential ($000s) | 82558 | 91383 | 301404 | 206676 | - | - | |||
Building Permits Non-Residential ($000s) | 74741 | 173424 | 241018 | 418439 | - | - |
Culture
Information, culture and recreation employment up 11% in April 2024 YTD.
Information, Culture & Recreation Employment 13% |
|
May 2024 YTD |
May 2024 year-to-date employment in Information, culture and recreation was up 2,460 positions or 13% over same period in 2023.
May 2024 year-to-date employment in Information, culture and recreation was up 2,460 positions or 13% over same period in 2023.
Information, Culture & Recreation Employment
13%
May 2024 YTD
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Culture | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Employment Information, Culture and Recreation | 19100 | 23100 | 18860 | 21320 | - | - |
Population
2024 Provincial population in Q2 up 2.5% over same period in 2023
Provincial Population 1231043 |
|
2.5% Increase over Q2 2023 |
Q2 2024 Provincial population was up 30,503 persons or 2.5% over 2023 Q2 to 1,231,043, an all-time high.
In addition, the provincial population grew by 5,550 people over the first quarter of 2024.
Q2 2024 Provincial population was up 30,503 persons or 2.5% over 2023 Q2 to 1,231,043, an all-time high.
In addition, the provincial population grew by 5,550 people over the first quarter of 2024.
Provincial Population
1231043
2.5% Increase over Q2 2023
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Population | 2023 Q2 | 2024 Q2 | Change | % Change | - | - | - | - | |
Population (persons) | 1200540 | 1231043 | - | - | - | - |
TrendLine Report Card - June 2024
INDICATOR | MONTH TO MONTH | YEAR TO DATE | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Labour Market | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Employment | 598200 | 614400 | 583020 | 596300 | - | - | |||
Unemployment Rate (%) | 4.1 | 5.4 | 4.8 | 5.6 | - | - | |||
Average Weekly Earnings ($) | 1182 | 1208 | 1166 | 1193 | - | - | |||
Saskatchewan Economy | 2022 | 2023 (Forecast) | Change | % Change | - | - | - | - | |
Gross Domestic Product (2007 $M) | 1.3% | 1.8% | - | - | - | - | |||
Consumer | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Consumer Price Index (2002=100) | 160.4 | 162.0 | 158.4 | 160.8 | - | - | |||
Retail Trade Total ($000s) | 2078409 | 1962910 | 5545016 | 5502706 | - | - | |||
New Motor Vehicle Sales (units) | 3639 | 4292 | 9280 | 10763 | - | - | |||
Restaurant Receipts ($000s) | 193784 | 201824 | 539257 | 565643 | - | - | |||
Manufacturing Sales | Mar 2023 | Mar 2024 | Change | % Change | Mar 2023 | Mar 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Manufacturing Sales Total ($000s) | 2406801 | 2131867 | 6931760 | 6446401 | - | - | |||
Wholesale Trade ($000s) | 5308382 | 4439369 | 12410378 | 12258660 | - | - | |||
International Trade | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | Apr 2023 | Apr 2024 | Change | % Change | |
International Trade Domestic Exports ($000s) | 3833424 | 3171903 | 16033267 | 12163071 | - | - | |||
International Trade Imports ($000s) | 1351281 | 1452059 | 5358957 | 5632927 | - | - | |||
Net International Merchandise Trade ($000s) | 2482143 | 1719844 | 10674310 | 6530144 | - | - | |||
Construction | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Housing Starts Total (Units) | 187 | 146 | 1106 | 1114 | - | - | |||
Building Permits Total ($000s) | 157300 | 173424 | 542421 | 625215 | - | - | |||
Building Permits Residential ($000s) | 82558 | 91383 | 301404 | 206676 | - | - | |||
Building Permits Non-Residential ($000s) | 74741 | 173424 | 241018 | 418439 | - | - | |||
Culture | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | May 2023 | May 2024 | Change | % Change | |
Employment Information, Culture and Recreation | 19100 | 23100 | 18860 | 21320 | - | - | |||
Population | 2023 Q2 | 2024 Q2 | Change | % Change | - | - | - | - | |
Population (persons) | 1200540 | 1231043 | - | - | - | - | |||
Sources: Statistics Canada Tables 14-10-0017-01, 34-10-0143-01, 14-10-0355-01, 18-10-0004-01, 34-10-0066-01, 17-10-0005-01, 17-10-0008-01, 20-10-0008-01, 16-10-0048-01, 20-10-0001-01, 21-10-0019-01, 12-10-0012-01,14-10-0358-01, and Conference Board of Canada June 2022 Outlook. Note: All data presented above is raw/not seasonally adjusted. Some date headings may not apply to every indicator in each sector. Please link to the additional tables for a comprehensive data overview. |
Available Downloads
This Issue's Economist:

Stephen Johnson
MA
Chief Economist
This Issue's Editor:

Spencer Boyle
BA, Economics
Project Coordinator
TrendLine Saskatchewan is published monthly by Praxis Consulting.
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