The latest numbers from Statistics Canada show the unemployment rate in southeast Saskatchewan crept up in February, with most of the increase coming from outside of Regina.  

The region is part of the Regina-Moose Mountain Economic Region and includes Regina, Weyburn and Estevan. In February, the unemployment rate was up from 5.1 to 5.5 percent. The majority of the increase, though, came outside of the capital city.  

The data from Statistics Canada, unadjusted for seasonality, shows that 200 more people were working in the economic region in February compared to January. However, there were also 900 more people unemployed. The biggest driver of this change was people who were re-entering the workforce.  

Outside of Regina, the unemployment rate went from 6.8 percent in January to 7.9 percent in February. This is also well above the unemployment rate year-over-year, with the rate at 2.9 percent in 2023. The number of people working was also down, falling by 400 year-over-year, with 2000 more people who were unemployed.  

Provincially, the unemployment rate was up slightly, going from 4.7 percent to 5.0 percent. While the unemployment rate was up, it is still the third-lowest in the country, behind Manitoba and Quebec. The national unemployment rate was up slightly, going to 5.8 percent in February.