SASKATCHEWAN’S WHOLESALE TRADE RED HOT

Saskatchewan's economy is once again resisting the national trend and showing the highest increases in wholesale trade for the month of March 2008.

According to Statistics Canada today, Saskatchewan's wholesale trade numbers were up by 25.3 per cent (seasonally unadjusted) in March 2008 over March 2007. Nationally, wholesale trade numbers dropped by 7.6 per cent, with all other provinces experiencing a decrease.

"Saskatchewan hit the highest levels in the nation for wholesale trade in March, while every other province had a drop in sales," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "The double-digit increases in wholesale trade figures are a strong signal that our economy is indeed red-hot, and our government is working hard to ensure this level of activity will continue."

In the first three months of 2008, Saskatchewan's wholesale figures were up by 26.6 per cent, the highest in Canada. On a national front for the January-March period, sales declined by 1.4 per cent. Only Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Alberta had an increase.

On a seasonally adjusted basis, Saskatchewan had an increase of 11.6 per cent between February and March 2008. Nationally, the wholesale trade numbers were up 0.6 per cent, with Prince Edward Island, Ontario and Alberta also recording small increases. On a seasonally adjusted basis, Saskatchewan's sales were the strongest on record for March.

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For more information, contact:

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