SASKATCHEWAN WHOLESALE TRADE INCREASE HIGHEST IN CANADA

The Saskatchewan economy continues to shine according to a report released by Statistics Canada today on wholesale trade figures for February 2010.

Saskatchewan had the highest increase among the provinces on a seasonally adjusted basis between January 2010 and February 2010, up by 5.5 per cent. Nationally, wholesale trade dropped by 1.2 per cent.

"The reason we are experiencing an increase in wholesale trade is because the Saskatchewan economy is much healthier this year and consumer demand is rising," Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "This month's increase is partly due as well to more sales of agricultural supplies, signalling a good year ahead for producers."

Annually, wholesale trade numbers were up 9.5 per cent (seasonally adjusted) in February 2010 over February 2009, the fourth highest increase in the nation. Since October 2009, wholesale sales in this province have risen by just over 35 per cent to reach their highest levels since January 2009.

"A number of major economic indicators appear to be bouncing back from challenges last year, and we are cautiously optimistic the trend will continue," Cheveldayoff said.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca