STRONG BUILDING PERMIT VALUES KICK OFF 2009

The building permit values for the month of January were released by Statistics Canada today and the figures show the province is off to a strong start in 2009.

According to the report, construction in Saskatchewan was up by 74.7 per cent to $135 million on a seasonally unadjusted basis - January 2008 compared to January 2009. This was the highest percentage increase in the nation. Nationally, building permits were down by 28.8 per cent.

"This solid start for construction in the residential and non-residential sectors are a very positive sign that 2009 will continue to be a good year for the Saskatchewan economy," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "Our economic booster shot of $500 million will have an impact on non-residential construction in the upcoming months benefiting communities throughout our province."

Seasonally-adjusted, building permit values increased by 32.4 per cent between December 2008 and January 2009, the second highest percentage increase amongst the provinces. Only Prince Edward Island recorded a higher increase at 41 per cent. Nationally, building permit values dropped by 4.6 per cent.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@gov.sk.ca