The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The economies of Manitoba and Saskatchewan may not be as strong as their respective provincial governments would like to think. Government stats show Manitoba lost 11,000 jobs last month, 7,100 of which were full-time. And Manitoba's jobless rate rose from five percent in March to 5.8 per cent in April. Most of the job losses were in the construction industry, considered a key indicator of economic health. Brian Pallister, leader of the opposition Progressive Conservatives, is blaming the NDP government's approach to the economy. 'NDP tax policy is driving small business to consider other options,' he said. 'Until we address our high-tax issues we will continue to bleed jobs and opportunities to other provinces and countries. That means more pressures on Manitoba families. The government can do more, but won't.' Across the border, stats show there are 3,700 fewer people working in Saskatchewan's private sector compared to a year ago. The opposition NDP is pointing the finger at the Saskatchewan Party government's approach to post-secondary and skills training. 'Saskatchewan businesses keep delivering good news for Saskatchewan,' said Trent Wotherspoon, NDP critic for the economy. 'But the Sask Party is throwing a wrench in the plans of businesses by underfunding universities, SIAST (college) and apprenticeship programs. 'The government doesn't have a smart-growth plan to increase the number of skilled workers at the same rate as the province is growing.' Stats show that over the last year, Saskatchewan's public sector has grown by 9,600 workers and the number of self-employed people has grown. But the private sector shed jobs in areas like information and mining. Sectors that lost jobs included information, culture and recreation (-3,300); forestry, fishing, mining and oil and gas (-2,800); manufacturing (-1,500); finance, insurance, real estate and leasing (-1,400); business, building and other support services (-1,100); utilities (-700); accommodation and food services (-300). The NDP says the University of Saskatchewan, University of Regina and SIAST are making cuts to programs, staff and assets as a result of funding cuts. Tuition is also increasing for students, making post-secondary education less accessible, in the NDP's view. 'Employers need the Sask Party government to stop its cuts in education and skills training,' said Wotherspoon. 'A sustainable economy has to match the supply of trained workers with employer demand.' _ Compiled from Manitoba Progressive Conservative Party and Saskatchewan NDP news releases
