SASKATCHEWAN PEOPLE CONTINUE TO BENEFIT FROM ECONOMIC BOOM

For the second consecutive month, Saskatchewan workers have experienced the highest year-over-year increase in earnings of any province in Canada.

In December 2007, Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings were $742.62, up 5.4 per cent from December 2006 and up 0.3 per cent from the previous month.

"These results demonstrate Saskatchewan's economic momentum is creating opportunities for people across the province and across the economy," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said. "More importantly, given the prospect for growth in Saskatchewan's economy, we have the opportunity to continue that trend, and ultimately close the income gap between Saskatchewan and other Canadian provinces."

The average employment income in Saskatchewan continues fourth in Canada, behind Alberta, Ontario, and closing to within $27 of British Columbia.

"This is an exciting and pivotal time for Saskatchewan," Norris said. "The province is growing, and we are committed to sustaining that momentum, creating more high-paying jobs and creating a more fair and balanced labour environment, thus enhancing opportunities for business and labour alike."

The province's top three highest paying industries fall into the goods-producing sector with the Mining and Oil and Gas Extraction ($1,326) leading, followed by Utilities ($1,166) and Construction ($952).

-30-

For more information, contact:

Christopher Jones-Bonk
Advanced Education, Employment and Labour
Regina
Phone: 306-798-3106
Email: chris.jones-bonk@gov.sk.ca