Released on March 26, 2003
Quarterly population figures from Statistics Canada for the last quarter of 2002 indicate the province's population was estimated at 1,009,225 as of January 1st, 2003, a slight fluctuation from October 1st, 2002.The figures show out-migration numbers at their lowest level in four years, less than half of what they were the previous quarter.
"Our economic momentum gives us confidence for the future," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said, "and the dramatic reduction in our out-migration figures coupled with our surging job numbers suggest we will see better population figures long-term."
Saskatchewan has posted ten straight months of job growth over previous year figures, with six of those months being records for the province.
Other economic indicators show that notwithstanding drought in 2001 and 2002, retail sales, urban housing starts, oil and gas well drilling, building permits and potash sales are all up. Unemployment levels are the third lowest in Canada and social assistance caseloads continue to decline. Major forecasters are predicting positive GDP and job growth for 2003.
"Saskatchewan's economic foundations are strong, and we're encouraging more growth through royalty and tax changes in our resource sectors, sustainable tax cuts, and support to critical industry infrastructure," Cline said. "We're seeing solid growth in such key economic sectors as forestry, oil and gas and mining.
"Our population stats will fluctuate slightly from quarter to quarter. By sticking with a plan that's working and by promoting a future that is wide open to opportunity, we will see our population numbers return to the solid growth we saw for much of the Nineties."
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For More Information, Contact:
| Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306)787-8277 |