WHOLESALE TRADE UP SIGNIFICANTLY

Wholesalers in Saskatchewan stocked up in April 2008, according to a Statistics Canada report released today.

Saskatchewan's wholesale trade numbers were up by 37.6 per cent in April 2008 when compared to April last year (seasonally unadjusted). That's by far the best in Canada, surpassing the national average of 5.7 per cent.

"Consumers and businesses in the province are on a buying spree, and that means wholesalers are adding stock to meet the demand for goods," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "April's wholesale numbers are exceeding the percentage increases recorded in other provinces by a country mile, and that is a very positive sign for our economy."

Year-to-date wholesale numbers are up 30 per cent in the first four months of 2008 when compared to the same period last year. Nationally, wholesale sales are up only 0.4 per cent.

Seasonally adjusted, wholesale values are up 0.9 per cent between March 2008 and April 2008. Trade is up in Canada over that period by 1.4 per cent.

"The increased demand for goods is related to this red-hot economy, and it appears consumers and businesses are confident the good times will continue in Saskatchewan," Stewart said.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: Deb.Young@gov.sk.ca