Saskatoon marks highest year-over-year employment growth in Canada in 2022

A deeper look into Statistics Canada’s annual Labour Force Survey (LFS) shows the Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) led the county in year-over-year employment growth and had the highest employment rate in Canada last year. 

Review and analysis of the 2022 LFS employment statistics for the Saskatoon CMA --released in January --  shows Saskatoon led Canada with the highest relative year-over-year employment growth at 9.6% and recorded the country’s highest employment rate at 68.3% – meaning Saskatoon had the highest share of people working relative to the working age population.  

Year over year, Saskatoon also had the highest annual job growth recorded over the last 15 years, seeing 16,700 more persons employed in 2022 relative to 2021, accounting for 84% of all employment growth in Saskatchewan over the past year. In 2022, Saskatoon had more than 59,000 more persons employed than it did in 2006 – an increase of 45.3% over that 15-year period. 

“Saskatoon leading all of Canada with generational job growth is a remarkable story, and a testament to the resilience of our community and our economic fundamentals,” says Mayor Charlie Clark. “With significant job growth in several sectors, Saskatoon’s economy is diverse and well positioned now and for the future as the world looks increasingly to our city and region for what we have to offer. The signs are promising that the local economy will continue to be a national leader in the years to come, providing good jobs and opportunities for those calling Saskatoon home.” 

Analysis shows Saskatoon’s employment growth was spread across several industries, with seven of them exceeding 1,000 more persons employed in 2022 than in 2021. Growth was led by the wholesale and retail trade industry (up 4,100 persons), followed by healthcare (up 3,100 persons) and construction (up 2,900 persons). In terms of occupations, business finance (up 4,500 persons) and management occupations (up 4,400 persons) led the way. 

“The breadth of industries and occupations represented in 2022’s employment growth numbers speak to the reality that we are an attractive and vibrant city. As the numbers prove, Saskatoon is leading our nation and our province in employment growth,” says City Manager Jeff Jorgenson. “The fact that our region led Canada in job growth for 2022 demonstrates that Saskatoon truly is a great place to live, work, learn and play.” 

A detailed comparison and long run analysis on employment trends in Saskatoon can be found within the City’s 2022 Annual Labour Force Review.