NOVEMBER WHOLESALE TRADE AND RETAIL SALES INCREASES TOPS IN NATION

Figures just out from Statistics Canada on wholesale trade and retail sales provide the latest evidence of Saskatchewan's booming and leading economy.

Saskatchewan's wholesale trade numbers for November show a 14.4 per cent increase (seasonally unadjusted) over November 2006 to $1.2 billon. That's the biggest percentage change among the provinces.

For the first 11 months of 2007, Saskatchewan's wholesale trade totalled $14.4 billion, an increase of 15.5 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), compared to the same period in 2006. That's the second-highest percentage increase among the provinces.

"Figures such as these are certainly a sign of the times in Saskatchewan," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "The growth and performance of our provincial economy is being felt across a wide range of sectors and industries, and these sales figures are just one barometer of that growth."

Retail sales in Saskatchewan were equally impressive in November, increasing by 17.1 per cent (seasonally unadjusted), to $1.1 billion, compared to November 2006 - the highest percentage increase among the provinces. In the first 11 months of 2007, retail sales totalled $11.7 billion, which represented a rise of 12.6 per cent (seasonally unadjusted) compared to the same period in 2006, again leading the nation.

"The indicators show why independent forecasters call Saskatchewan the rising star of Canada's economic growth scene," Stewart said. "Our province is emerging as a national economic leader, and our government is determined to continue working with businesses and other partners to ensure that this prosperity is encouraged and sustained."

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For more information, contact:

Joanne Johnson
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: jjohnson@ir.gov.sk.ca