Released on April 17, 2009
The figures for non-residential construction in the first quarter of 2009 were released by Statistics Canada today. These numbers indicate that Saskatchewan had one of the strongest increases amongst the provinces when compared to the same period of 2008.
According to the report, non-residential construction was up by 30.9 per cent in the first three months of 2009 to $341.6 million (seasonally unadjusted). This was the third highest percentage increase among the provinces and more than 20 times the Canadian average of 1.3 per cent.
"It is very encouraging to see investment up in non-residential construction in the first three months of 2009," Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris said on behalf of Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart. "The report represents the larger commercial, industrial and institutional projects that are vital to sustaining economic momentum, and creating jobs and business opportunities across the province."
On a seasonally adjusted basis, Saskatchewan's non-residential construction investment improved by 10.6 per cent in the first quarter of 2009 when compared to the last quarter of 2008. This was the second highest percentage increase among the provinces with only Prince Edward Island showing a higher increase at 14.4 per cent. Five provinces showed a drop over the same period.
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For more information, contact:
Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: deb.young@enterprisesask.ca