A RECORD YEAR FOR CONSTRUCTION IN SASKATCHEWAN

Construction sites around Saskatchewan were very busy in 2008 according to a report released by Statistics Canada today, setting an all-time annual record of $2.2 billion.

Building permits in the province totalled $2.2 billion in 2008, up 32.8 per cent when compared with the totals for 2007 (seasonally unadjusted). This beats the former record of $1.6 billion set in 2007. Saskatchewan had the largest percentage increase amongst the provinces in 2008, well ahead of the 5.3 per cent decline on the national front for the same period.

"On the whole, 2008 was an exceptional year for the construction industry in the province," Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart said. "The last months of 2008 were beginning to slow down, and that's why our government decided to provide an economic booster shot by getting infrastructure projects moving forward now."

"These investments will make sure Saskatchewan continues to experience economic and job growth and be in relatively good shape once market conditions improve," Stewart said.

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For more information, contact:

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