Saskatchewan's unemployment rate is on the rise. During the month of May unemployment in the province climbed to 6.8%, which gives Saskatchewan the highest unemployment rate of all western provinces.

Construction is one of the sectors seeing an increase in unemployment, which is being blamed on the PST increase on construction contracts.

The provincial government replied, saying they will continue to push for pipeline construction and rail improvements, which they hope will increase jobs.

The job market, specifically in the southwestern part of the province - which includes Moose Jaw and Swift Current - also experienced a climb in unemployment and is now sitting at 4.6% unemployment. According to Statistics Canada the region lost roughly 1,600 jobs over the last 12 months.

The nation's unemployment rate, however, is trending positively in a year-over-year basis, dropping 0.7%. It now sits at 6.1%.

The southwest's population also saw a decrease to 81,300 - 400 less residents from last year. Of the 81,300 people there are 52,100 in the labour force with 49,700 of them working and 2,400 who are unemployed.