REGINA – 2013 was a banner year for Saskatchewan, one that saw the province hit new record levels in population and exports, and lead the country in employment and manufacturing.
The province’s population hit a record of 1,114,000 people in October of 2013 with the province’s annual growth rate the second highest in the country.
Saskatchewan also had the lowest unemployment rate in the country through the first 11 months of 2013 at 4.8% (seasonally adjusted). Regina also had the lowest unemployment rate in the country at 3.5 % with Saskatoon a close second at 4.3%.
“As the numbers roll in for the remainder of 2013, Saskatchewan’s economy continues to be one of the best in the nation,” Economy Minister Bill Boyd said. “More people are living here, more people are working here, people are earning more money than ever before and we continue to increase trade with the rest of the world.”
Saskatchewan products are also in demand around the world with international exports totaling over $27.2 billion between January and October of 2013 – a record amount for the first 10 months of the year.
Forecasters predict that Saskatchewan will end up with the second best economic growth rate in 2013 at 3.0 % and in 2014 Saskatchewan will once again have the second best economy in the country after Alberta with a 2.6% increase in GDP.
“We are fortunate to have a diversity of growing sectors,” Boyd said. “There are both traditional and innovative opportunities in the province, creating jobs, attracting people and investment, and above all, making Saskatchewan a great place to live and work.”
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