WHOLESALE TRADE GROWTH LEADING COUNTRY BY HUGE MARGIN

Saskatchewan Growth More Than 10 Times the National Average 

The newest figures from Statistics Canada for wholesale trade growth in June show Saskatchewan leading the country by a huge margin.

On a year-over-year basis, wholesale trade in Saskatchewan was up by 53.7 per cent in June 2008 compared to June 2007 (seasonally adjusted). This was far and away the highest percentage increase among the provinces, with Alberta posting the next-highest increase with 8.6 per cent. The national average was 5.0 per cent.

Statistics Canada reported that higher demand for farm machinery and equipment was behind much of the increase.

"This kind of economic performance is further evidence of how Saskatchewan is surging ahead thanks to the innovation and work ethic of our people and businesses," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "It's especially fitting that the agriculture industry was a factor in this ongoing growth for our province, which speaks to the depth and scope of our economy."

Wholesale trade in Saskatchewan increased by 3.8 per cent to $1.76 billion in June 2008 compared to May 2008 (seasonally adjusted). This was the second-highest percentage increase among the provinces, and ahead of the national average of 2.0 per cent.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
EI
Regina
Phone: 787-1691
Email: jamie.shanks@gov.sk.ca