PREMIER SAYS SASKATCHEWAN’S ECONOMY WILL REMAIN STRONG

Premier Brad Wall today said Saskatchewan's economy continues to be strong despite recent turmoil in the U.S. and global markets.

"Saskatchewan is well-positioned to sustain our economic growth, even while other parts of Canada and the U.S. see a downturn in their economies," Wall said. "We have a strong resource sector, a growing population and plenty of job opportunities. Saskatchewan is now a ‘have' province and we intend to keep it that way."

Wall noted Saskatchewan is now leading the country in several key economic categories: economic growth, employment growth rate, wholesale trade growth, retail sales growth and new construction growth. Earlier this week, the Conference Board of Canada said Saskatoon and Regina will lead all Canadian cities in economic growth this year.

"Most importantly, our population is growing faster than at any time since the 1950s, which means more and more people are moving to Saskatchewan to build their careers and raise their families," Wall said.

Wall said his government will continue to promote Saskatchewan and attract new people and investment to the province. On Friday, Wall will address the 2008 Global Business Forum in Banff, Alberta, and at the end of the month Wall and two other cabinet ministers will join over 50 Saskatchewan employers at the National Job Fair in Toronto.

"I am going to take every opportunity to tell our story at national and international forums," Wall said. "And our government will continue to support a vision for a growing economy founded on a balanced approach to debt reduction, infrastructure investment and lower taxes."

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927