YORKTON — Saskatchewan NDP MLA Aleana Young says new employment figures showing 2,900 fewer jobs and 500 more unemployed people in the Yorkton region point to the need for major infrastructure investments, while Yorkton MLA David Chan argues long-term private investment projects demonstrate confidence in the area’s economic future.
Speaking in Yorkton, Young said Statistics Canada data show Saskatchewan had 3,800 fewer jobs than a year ago and criticized the Saskatchewan Party government for focusing on monthly employment changes rather than longer-term trends.
Young said the completion of major projects, including work at the Louis Dreyfus and Richardson facilities, likely contributed to the decline in local employment.
“There’s going to be both a decrease in that direct employment, as well as the indirect employment and the spillover into services and support industries,” she said.
Young argued Yorkton needs major infrastructure projects to support future growth, including a new wastewater treatment plant and a new hospital. She said housing shortages have also created challenges for workers looking to establish themselves in the community.
“Yorkton cannot grow, it cannot thrive without a new wastewater treatment plant,” Young said.
She added that local business leaders, municipal officials and the federal government have all been involved in discussions about the project.
Young also raised concerns about youth unemployment in Saskatchewan, which she said is about 12 per cent.
“When we look at young people and whether they can see a future here in Yorkton, or frankly even in places like Saskatoon and Regina, with youth unemployment bouncing around between 12 and 15 per cent across the province, it is a clear reason why we are, unfortunately, seeing thousands and thousands of young people move to other provinces,” she said.
Young called on the provincial government to pursue federal infrastructure funding opportunities and prioritize investments in transportation and energy projects, arguing that affordable electricity is critical for businesses and economic development.
“You cannot run a business or support economic activity without affordable power,” she said.
In response, Chan said employment statistics represent real people and families but argued Saskatchewan’s broader economic indicators remain strong.
“That said, behind every employment statistic are real people and families,” Chan said. “For anyone in Yorkton who is looking for work, our government remains focused on creating the economic conditions that attract investment, support local businesses and create good jobs.”
Chan pointed to more than 60 major capital projects planned or underway across Saskatchewan, representing more than $62 billion in private capital investment. He said the province continues to rank among Canada’s leaders in manufacturing sales, retail trade, urban housing starts, merchandise exports and building construction investment.
As an example, Chan highlighted the recent grand opening of Louis Dreyfus Company’s expanded Yorkton facility.
“Companies like LDC do not invest hundreds of millions of dollars in a community on a whim,” he said. “These are long-term decisions based on confidence and trust in the province, the community and the economic environment.”
Chan said the expansion is expected to create approximately 140 direct jobs by the end of the year, along with contractor employment and economic benefits for producers, transportation providers, suppliers, retailers and other local businesses.
He added that labour force figures can fluctuate for many reasons, including retirements, relocations, people returning to school and changing workforce needs.
“But we do see the people behind the numbers,” Chan said. “For those currently looking for work, our government will continue working to support them in finding good opportunities, and we will continue creating the conditions that give businesses the confidence to invest, expand and hire.”
The differing responses reflect two views of the same employment data: Young argues the numbers highlight the need for public infrastructure investment to support growth, while Chan says ongoing private-sector investment demonstrates confidence in Yorkton’s long-term economic prospects.
