It could take a little longer for an economic rebound to start.
Statistics Canada reported that there were 7,900 fewer jobs in Saskatchewan in 2016.
Doug Elliot with Sask Trends Monitor said he believes this year will be a little more positive for the private sector but jobs will be lost in public service.
“We’ve got this provincial budget coming down and if the rumours are true it is going to be very hard on the public sector,” Elliot said.
Whether 2017 remains static, Elliot believes the uncertainty won’t help the economy.
“Every time there is another layoff or another announcement of layoffs people start to get nervous about their jobs, they stop spending, businesses stop investment and it becomes this self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Elliot said he does not believe 2017 will be a great year and is focusing on 2018 for things to really strengthen.