Released on June 26, 2002
New figures released today show Saskatchewan's population statistics do notyet reflect an improving employment picture.
Quarterly population figures from Statistics Canada indicate the province's
population stood at an estimated 1,011,224 as of April 1st. That's a small
drop - 0.2 per cent - from the population estimate on January 1st, 2002.
"These figures are certainly consistent with the weakened agriculture
prospects this past winter," Industry and Resources Minister Eldon
Lautermilch said. "However, our economy overall is showing renewed
strength and our job numbers are turning around. We're confident that all
these positive indicators will translate into a long-term improvement in
our population figures."
Job numbers in May increased by 11,100 over the previous May - the largest
percentage increase in western Canada. Retail and department store sales,
new motor vehicle sales, urban housing starts, new business incorporations,
residential building permit values and potash sales are all up.
Saskatchewan recorded the highest monthly percentage increase in
manufacturing shipments in April of any province, and is projected to
experience the largest percentage increase in capital investment of any
province this year.
"Working together, Saskatchewan people have built a diversified province,
and government is working with them to nurture a climate for new business
growth," Lautermilch said. "By sticking to our plan of sustainable tax
cuts, sound fiscal management, investments in infrastructure and new
investment attraction, we're creating the right environment for more
economic prosperity and for a return to the solid population growth that we
have enjoyed for most of the past decade."
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone (306) 787-1691