Under Lorne Calvert’s NDP government, Saskatchewan has marked the best July ever for people working in the province as well as 16 straight months of record employment.

Statistics Canada figures released today indicate 508,600 people were working in the province in July (seasonally unadjusted figure).  That beats by 3,800 the old mark for July set last year.

 “The momentum in Saskatchewan’s economy is well documented, and these latest record job numbers are another barometer of that,” Agriculture and Food Minister Mark Wartman said on behalf of Industry and Resources Minister Maynard Sonntag.  “We’re gratified by this growth that builds on growth – it speaks to the opportunities that are out there for our businesses, and, most important, for Saskatchewan workers and families.”

Full-time employment was up by 4,900 over last July.

Average year to date employment is up by 14,400 for the first seven months of 2007 when compared to the same period last year.

Jobs were up last month in services, retail and wholesale trade, manufacturing, construction, finance, insurance and real estate, and public administration.  

Other indicators also point to growth in the Saskatchewan economy.  Potash production and sales, oil production, farm cash receipts, urban housing starts, international exports, retail sales, building permit values, and average weekly earnings are all up.  Many economic forecasters have Saskatchewan among the nation’s leaders in predicted GDP growth this year.

Saskatchewan Labour Force statistics can be found online at www.stats.gov.sk.ca.