WHOLESALE TRADE INCREASES BEST IN CANADA

Saskatchewan has the largest percentage increase in wholesale trade in Canada for the month of May according to a Statistics Canada report today.

In May 2008, wholesale trade numbers jumped by 44.6 per cent over last May to over $2.5 billion (seasonally unadjusted). Over the same period, Canada only experienced a 1.2 per cent increase.

"Saskatchewan's wholesale trade increases are so far ahead of increases in other provinces, largely due to our strong, robust economy that is fuelling an increase in the demand for goods," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "There is no doubt this is one of the busiest times ever for Saskatchewan wholesalers."

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Saskatchewan's increase in wholesale trade also led the nation in May. Between April 2008 and May 2008 wholesale trade was up by 5.8 per cent. Nationally, the Canadian average was only 1.6 per cent.

In the first five months of 2008 wholesale trade totalled $8.1 billion, an increase of 34.1 per cent when compared to the same period in 2007 (seasonally unadjusted). The province again leads the nation in percentage growth, well ahead of the national average of 0.6 per cent.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-787-6315
Email: Deb.Young@gov.sk.ca