If you're looking to work in the Canadian prairies, particularly in Saskatchewan, here's some information to help you in your job search.
Saskatchewan may not be as well-known as Ontario or British Columbia, but it has a lot to offer if you're willing to explore beyond the usual destinations. Situated in the Prairie region between Alberta, Manitoba, and the United States, Saskatchewan stands out as one of Canada's sunniest provinces. While winters can be quite cold, the summers are hot! Additionally, it's the only province with entirely artificial borders.
As of 2022, Saskatchewan had a population of 1.2 million, with immigrants accounting for 14.2% of the working-age population. The most densely populated area features extensive flat, cultivated land – don't anticipate finding many mountains in the southern part of the province! Heading North, the terrain becomes more mountainous, boasting numerous lakes, forests, and rivers. Saskatoon and Regina are the major cities in Saskatchewan.
If you're planning to work in Saskatchewan, there are several steps you should take. Start by adapting your CV to the Canadian format and enhancing your English proficiency. Obtain a social insurance number and a work permit as well. It's important to identify your worker category and the corresponding permit type. For more details, check out our articles on "Expatriating to Canada" and "Working in Canada".
The Saskatchewan job market
Saskatchewan ranks as Canada's second-largest oil producer, trailing only Alberta, and stands among the world's top suppliers of uranium and potash. The province is also home to nearly half of Canada's cultivated farmland and hosts a significant commercial forest area. Clearly, Saskatchewan's most robust economic sectors revolve around the utilization of natural resources.
To encourage companies to locate in Saskatchewan, the provincial government has put in place a range of financial incentives: investment tax credits, research credits and programs, and profit tax reductions in the manufacturing and processing sectors. Royalty rates are among the lowest in the country.
While Saskatchewan has historically held the title of the province with the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, challenges in the oil and gas industry have impacted this standing. Nevertheless, the current unemployment rate has decreased to 4.7%, surpassing the pre-pandemic rate of 5.5% and falling below the national average of 5.3%.
As per Guichet-Emplois, the agricultural sector in Saskatchewan has been bouncing back from the 2021 drought, with increased production of wheat and canola in 2022. Although there was a dip in employment within forestry, fishing, mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction, the outlook for job opportunities in these fields remains positive due to the numerous ongoing projects.
The number of people employed in the construction sector has also risen, while it has continued to fall in the resource extraction industry. The government has launched an incentive program to support the oil industry. The healthcare and social assistance sectors, accommodation and catering services, and public services saw considerable growth in 2022.
Good to know:
Since 2013, Saskatchewan has seen more people leaving for other provinces than those arriving. In 2021 and 2022, the province welcomed over 15,000 newcomers, but over 23,000 individuals chose to depart. Hence, immigration plays a crucial role in sustaining this Canadian province.
Looking for work in Saskatchewan
To find a job in Saskatchewan, explore various job boards like Indeed, Saskjobs, LinkedIn, and Guichet-Emplois. Familiarize yourself with regulated and non-regulated jobs in Canada, the necessary documents for your search, and the proper way to craft a resume, cover letter, and references for job interviews in Saskatchewan. The Canadian job application process, as explained in a video by the Canadian government, differs significantly from a European approach. Canadian CVs can span up to three pages, and they should not include photos to prevent discrimination during recruitment. Including contact details for previous employers and teachers at the end of your CV is appreciated by potential employers. It's quite common for employers to reach out to your past employers, even if they are located abroad, before making a hiring decision. A well-crafted cover letter is always highly recommended.
Explore companies in Saskatchewan online that align with your interests. Check their websites for job postings or reach out directly to their human resources department. Job Bank, the official website of the Canadian government, is a valuable resource for job postings. Service Canada provides essential information on job search and application processes. The jobs.gc.ca website lists opportunities in the federal public service.
If your English proficiency is moderate, finding a job in your field might be challenging initially. Consider starting with part-time roles in retail or submitting your CV to employment agencies. Volunteering is another option that not only expands your social circle but also enhances your English skills. Keep in mind that some job opportunities may not be publicly posted, making networking crucial. Connect with newcomer assistance organizations and job search groups to broaden your network and increase your chances of finding a job in Saskatchewan. Here are just a few:
Regional Newcomer Gateways
Saskatchewan has 11 Regional Newcomers Gateways — specialized centers designed for welcoming newcomers. These hubs provide free assistance for settling in, locating jobs in your region, enrolling in English courses, and participating in workshops on life in Canada. French-language services are available as well. You can also request a meeting with a settlement advisor, who will guide you on all aspects of your new life and provide ongoing support throughout your settlement process.
Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise
The Assemblée communautaire fransaskoise provides settlement services for French-speaking newcomers with advisors based in Regina and Saskatoon. They can inform you about available resources and offer general guidance on various aspects, such as renting housing, enrolling your children in school, job searching, securing an Internet subscription, healthcare, and more. If desired, advisors can provide ongoing support and even arrange to meet you at the airport. The association's website features a dedicated section for job offers tailored to French speakers.
Labour standards in Saskatchewan
On October 1, 2023, the minimum wage in the province of Saskatchewan increased to $14.00 per hour. On October 1, 2024, the minimum wage for Saskatchewan employees will rise to $15.00 per hour. However, it does not apply to farm workers, residential care providers, and occasional babysitters, among others. Wages must be paid once a month, twice a month, or every 14 days.
Employees are typically restricted from working more than 44 hours per week, with exceptions in special circumstances. Employers are required to provide at least one week's notice of the employees' working hours. Additionally, most employers grant an unpaid break of at least thirty minutes for every five consecutive hours worked.
If you work more than 40 hours a week, whether organized into five eight-hour days or four ten-hour days, you'll receive overtime pay at one and a half times the regular hourly rate per week or day.
In Saskatchewan, employees are entitled to a minimum of three weeks of paid vacation starting from their first year of employment. This minimum increases to four weeks after 10 years with the same company. You can use the Saskatchewan government's tool to calculate the vacation pay owed to an employee.
Here is the list of paid public holidays in Saskatchewan:
- New Year's Day: January 1;
- Family Day: third Monday in February;
- Good Friday: Friday before Easter;
- Victoria Day: Monday before May 25;
- Canada Day: July 1 or July 2 if the first is a Sunday;
- Saskatchewan Day: first Monday in August;
- Labour Day: first Monday in September;
- Thanksgiving: second Monday in October;
- Remembrance Day: November 11;
- Christmas Day: December 25.
For worked vacations, compensation is set at one and a half times the regular hourly rate, except in specific industries with special provisions (such as drilling, teaching, and tourism, among others).
In Saskatchewan, the notice periods for dismissal or layoff are determined based on seniority, unless the employee has committed a serious offense or has been employed for less than 13 weeks. Generally, one year of seniority warrants one week's notice. If employees with more than 13 weeks of employment decide to resign, they are required to provide their employer with at least two weeks' notice.
Some professions and sectors adhere to distinct regulations. For detailed information, you can refer to the Saskatchewan Labour Standards Guide.
Specific professions and sectors are governed by particular regulations. If you are immigrating to Saskatchewan as a Federal Skilled Worker through Express Entry, entering for a specific occupation or trade, or arriving to study in Canada, you'll need to have your credentials assessed. For the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) application, obtaining an Educational Credential Evaluation (EDE) for your foreign credentials, including diplomas and certificates, is a requirement.
For regulated professions in Canada, your credentials are typically evaluated by the regulatory body. Verify with the regulatory body to determine if credential assessment is required, and they will guide you to the appropriate credential assessment organization. Contact details can be found on the Guichet-Emplois website. Approximately 20% of jobs in Canada fall under regulation, including roles in fields like architecture, plumbing, and engineering. It's worth noting that certain jobs and trades may be regulated in some provinces and territories but not in others across Canada.
Caution: If you are licensed in Saskatchewan, your license may not be accepted in other provinces and territories.
For non-regulated professions, some employers may request job applicants to hold licensing or certification from the relevant professional association. You can have your credentials evaluated by a foreign credential evaluation agency for a fee and then incorporate this information into your CV. Learn more about the process of having your credentials assessed for employment in Canada.
Working while studying in Saskatchewan
If you hold a study permit, your primary focus in Canada is your studies in Saskatchewan. It's expected that you engage in full-time study while you're in school. However, with a Study Permit, you do have the option to work while you study, subject to specific conditions. For further details, refer to our article on studying and working in Canada.
Useful links:
Health Careers in Saskatchewan
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