The number of jobs available in Swift Current has been on a steep decline for the past several years.  

Since 2018 the southwest has lost 2,800 jobs, an alarming trend that is nothing new to this corner of the province. 

MLA for Regina University and Opposition Critic for Economy and Jobs, Aleana Young, is working to bring attention to this prevalent issue.  

“It doesn't speak well for actual economic development,” she said. “When we look at that five-year, six-year record, 75 per cent of the jobs created in Saskatchewan overall have been in Saskatoon and Biggar. And when we try and compare how Saskatchewan is doing to the rest of Canada, it's grim.” 

Young attributed the continuing decrease to a lack of working with local Chambers of Commerce, informing immigration with labor market analysis, and diversifying the job sector.  

“This is the lived experience of people," said Young. “They see these job losses. They see the lack of opportunity.” 

From tourism to manufacturing to energy, she described the southwest as having immense potential to create robust job supply.  

"We need to be focused on what's happening in Saskatchewan--that's the job of the premier, that's the job of any government."