Manufacturing Week Celebrated in Saskatchewan

Released on November 22, 2021

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed November 22 to 26, as Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week to celebrate the significant contributions of the manufacturing sector to the province's economy.

Saskatchewan's manufacturing sector makes up over five per cent of the province's gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 29,000 people across the province. Last year, manufacturing shipments totalled $13.4 billion. For every dollar invested in manufacturing, an economic spin-off of three times is generated in the provincial economy.

"Our government is proud of our manufacturing sector, which is a major generator of jobs and economic opportunities in our province," Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. "Manufacturing Week is a great opportunity to recognize those involved in this important sector and highlight the technologies, innovation and management tools that are driving the industry forward and contributing to its success."

The Government of Saskatchewan has also released a report entitled Overview of the Manufacturing sector in Saskatchewan 2010-2020. The report provides data on manufacturing GDP, the number and size of businesses, employment, shipments, earnings and capital investment. 

Some of the trends highlighted in the report include:

• Saskatchewan led all provinces in manufacturing employment growth from 2019-2020;
• Saskatchewan had the second-highest manufacturing productivity in Canada in 2020; and
• Saskatchewan ranked second in average weekly earnings in the manufacturing sector in 2020.

In the first eight months of 2021, manufacturing sales increased by more than 42 per cent compared to 2020. In this period, Saskatchewan ranked first in terms of percentage increase among the provinces.

Saskatchewan's Growth Plan includes a goal to increase the value of manufacturing exports by 50 per cent by the year 2030. That goal will be achieved by ensuring Saskatchewan has a competitive tax and regulatory environment for investment, expanding access to Canadian and international markets for Saskatchewan manufacturers and creating incentives that improve efficiency and accelerate investment. 

During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 50 companies in Saskatchewan's manufacturing industry pivoted operations to produce medical supplies or personal protective equipment (PPE) that was used by local businesses, schools and health care facilities in North America. 

The Overview of the Manufacturing sector in Saskatchewan 2010-2020 report can be viewed at https://publications.saskatchewan.ca:443/api/v1/products/88143/formats/104820/download.

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