BUILDING PERMITS MORE THAN DOUBLE NATIONAL INCREASE

Saskatchewan led the country in new building permits for August 2012, according to a report issued by Statistics Canada today. Saskatchewan's building permits rose 47.9 per cent over last August, the highest percentage increase among the provinces and more than double the national average of 22.0 per cent.

"The construction industry is an important part of Saskatchewan's economy and these numbers highlight the high demand in the province for construction services," Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. "These are stellar numbers, and clearly show Saskatchewan's economy continues out performing other provinces."

Permits were up for both the residential and non-residential sectors on an annual basis. Residential permits rose by 49.0 per cent while non-resident permits were up by 46.4 per cent.

Month-over-month, building permits in the province were up 31.7 per cent between August 2012 and July 2012. Saskatchewan ranked first among the provinces, well ahead of the 7.9 per cent recorded nationally.

"Construction projects bring jobs, business opportunities and a legacy of infrastructure improvements to communities across Saskatchewan," Boyd said. "The steady increases in our population will likely mean that this high-level of construction work will continue the future, building an even stronger Saskatchewan as we move forward."

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Economy
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: deb.young@enterprisesask.ca