Statistics Canada says in April, the nation’s unemployment rate hit 13 per cent, driven by a large number of temporary layoffs. In May it rose to 13.7 per cent. From February to April, employment fell by more than three million. Over the same period, employment among lower-wage workers fell by about 38 per cent. For all other paid employees, the drop was nearly 13 per cent. Women were harder hit at the beginning of the economic shutdown but by April, employment losses were similar for women and men.

In Saskatchewan, unemployment rose from 11.3 per cent in April to 12.5 per cent in May. Statistics Canada says increases in wholesale and retail trade, manufacturing, and accommodation and food services here were offset by declines in many sectors led by information, culture and recreation, as well as in construction.

In Saskatoon, unemployment rose from 9.8 in April to 12.4 per cent in May. In Regina it rose from 8.6 to 10.6 per cent.