SREDA and Saskatoon employers return from successful Ontario recruitment trip

Saskatoon, SK - The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) and six Saskatoon region employers recently returned from a very successful recruitment trip that took them to the heart of the Ontario labour market. The WorkWest Career Caravan was held over a two day period. Over 3,000 people visited the job fair and learned of the opportunities available in the Saskatoon region.

Bernie Ness, Labour Market Coordinator for SREDA, stated that the employers who attended were very impressed with the turnout and interest of attendees. “We were able to visit a region of Canada where the unemployment rate is much higher than in many parts of Western Canada. It was exciting to see the number of skilled people considering job opportunities and relocation to Saskatoon.”

The main focus for SREDA’s 2008 Strategic Plan is to develop the Saskatoon region’s labour market and grow the local workforce. This includes venturing into markets where the unemployment rates are higher and the skill sets of people match those that are needed in the Saskatoon region. According to Statistics Canada, the unemployment rate for the Toronto region in February was 6.2 percent; much higher than the Saskatoon region rate of 3.4 percent.

SREDA looks forward to continuing its efforts in growing the Saskatoon region through its workforce development initiatives.

For more information on SREDA’s involvement in the Workwest Career Caravan and Labour Market Strategy, please contact Bernie Ness at 664-0728 or bness@sreda.com. 

The Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority (SREDA) promotes economic development strategies that foster the attraction, retention, growth and expansion of opportunities in the Saskatoon Region.