SASKATCHEWAN CITIES RANKED HIGHLY IN COMPETITIVENESS SURVEY

Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw all scored well in a survey on the cost of doing business in cities across North America and around the world.

KPMG released a study March 21st comparing the cost of doing business in a total of 128 cities in nine countries. Included in this year's study were cities from France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, the United States and Canada.

Saskatoon was ranked the lowest cost jurisdiction among 21 featured cities from the North American Midwest, moving up from a second-place ranking in the previous survey (2004) and relegating Edmonton to second. Saskatoon offered the lowest costs for biomedical research and development among the 21 Midwest cities, the lowest costs on web and multi-media businesses, the lowest cost location for call centres, and the third lowest cost environment for agri-food businesses.

Canadian cities overall remained good places to do business, remaining the most cost-competitive locations for business among the G7 countries. Among all countries, Singapore came in at number one in the 2006 survey.

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said the KPMG survey underlines the progress being made in improving Saskatchewan's climate for economic growth. "Our four major cities went nose to nose against cities around the world and measured up very well," Cline said. "I note with interest that Moose Jaw and Prince Albert ranked 6th and 7th respectively out of all 128 cities studied by KPMG. Saskatoon and Regina were also in the top one quarter. That's certainly positive.

"We've worked hard to make Saskatchewan a better place to live, work, and do business. Today's KPMG findings reinforce that solid progress is being made. I weigh this in conjunction with the views of independent analysts that Saskatchewan has had one of the fastest growing economies in Canada over the past three years, with solid growth also expected for this year. According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan will have the third highest growth rate on private sector investment in Canada in 2006. These are solid reasons for Saskatchewan businesses to feel positive about our province's future."

In a comparison with all 98 North American cities Moose Jaw placed fifth, Prince Albert sixth, Saskatoon 21st, and Regina 28th. KPMG ranked all cities on the basis of costs for labour, taxation, facilities (land, construction, leasing rates), transportation, utilities, depreciation and financing.

KPMG's survey was completed in conjunction with Investment Partnerships Canada, along with various provincial and civic governments. The 2006 survey is the fifth such review done by KPMG. The previous one was in 2004. The 2006 version examined more cities (128 rather than 121 in 2004), and also added Singapore to the countries examined in 2004. Three countries (Australia, Iceland and Luxembourg) reviewed in 2004 were not included in the 2006 survey.

The full report can be accessed at www.competitivealternatives.com.

Please Note: Minister Cline will be available to speak to reporters following Question Period on Wednesday, March 22nd, at approximately 2:45 p.m., Rotunda, Legislative Building, Regina.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691