In a time where the province is dealing with an approximate $1.2 billion deficit and a slower economy, there is one statistic which is good news.

Last month, Saskatchewan recorded a third straight time in as many months where the unemployment rate decreased. The rate dropped from 6.6 per cent in December to 6.4 in January.

Moreover, the province has the fourth lowest unemployment rate in comparison to the rest of the country. British Columbia (5.8), Manitoba (6.1), and Quebec (6.2) are the provinces with a lower rating, while Ontario (6.4) shares the fourth spot with Saskatchewan.

According to Economy Minister Jeremy Harrison, the province has seen increased employment in technical, trade, and transportation sectors. The Minister added how he has seen a rise in employment for off-reserve Aboriginals too.

But, the impact of a decreased economy has made an impact for residents as well.

558,600 people were recorded as employed in the province last month. That number was 4,800 fewer compared to January 2016, a number the minister believes is affected by low resource prices.

The youth unemployment rate in Saskatchewan remained the third best in the country to start the new year at 11 per cent.