Saskatchewan had the lowest unemployment rate in the country in April, according to new job numbers released by Stats Can.

Employment increased by 1.7 percent from March 2021 and ranked first among the provinces. Saskatchewan gained 58,500 jobs compared to the same period last year.

The province was tied for the lowest unemployment rate in the county at 6.6 percent, down from 7.3 percent in March and down from 11.2 percent a year ago. The province’s unemployment rate was well below the national average of 8.1 percent.

The sectors who saw the most growth were trades with 17,200 jobs, construction with 8,700 jobs, and the private sector with 54,100 jobs. Youth employment also increased by 17,400 jobs.

Off-reserve Aboriginal employment saw a gain of 7,000 jobs, or 13.9 percent, the fifth straight month of increases.