Legislative Report
November 3, 2022

Saskatchewan Economy Showing Strength

Saskatchewan is positioned to continue down the path of economic success. Saskatchewan has what the world needs. While many regions face uncertainty, our province is dependable, and ready to provide the fuel, food and fertilizer in high demand.

The 2022 Speech from the Throne highlighted the significant growth that has occurred in recent months. Before 2007, Saskatchewan’s population was in a freefall. Since then, our population has grown by nearly 200,000 people or 20 per cent. In the second quarter of 2022, we welcomed 6,500 new residents, the largest quarterly population increase ever recorded, putting us on track to reach 1.2 million people before the end of the year.

Our economy is growing, projected to lead the country in multiple categories. Saskatchewan is showing strong growth in economic indicators such as building permits, building construction investment, housing starts, wholesale trade and retail trade. During the first nine months of the year, over 20,000 more people were employed compared to 2021, thanks to increased private investment and economic confidence. Those new jobs helped to drop the unemployment rate to just 4.1 per cent, the lowest in Canada.

Our government will continue to support those in the province searching for employment. November marks Career Month in Saskatchewan, a chance to thank the professionals assisting in the search while also highlighting SaskJobs Career Services. No matter what stage individuals are at, SaskJobs Career Services can aid anyone seeking training or furthering their career goals. Thousands of jobs spanning hundreds of careers are available on SaskJobs.ca. Those interested in a career in the healthcare sector can explore HealthCareersinSask.ca. As we look to hire 1,000 new healthcare professionals, more positions will be added in the weeks to come.

Our province will see even more jobs after increased support for the Creative Saskatchewan Feature Film and Television Production Grant Program. In our budget last  spring, we increased funding to the program by $8 million, with 13 different productions receiving support. Due to popular demand, we have increased funding for a second time, taking the program to $17.5 million for 2022. This investment will generate $32 million in economic activity and create more than 140 jobs.

The Saskatchewan resource sector is on the radar of a growing list of world nations that need the products our businesses are producing. Billions of dollars are being invested in Saskatchewan, creating thousands of jobs and supporting families across the province. The demand for potash, oil, uranium, forestry and agri-food products, minerals and rare-earth elements will allow our government to invest in expanded programs and services.

Employees, families, and communities are benefiting from this growth. We are adding new healthcare professionals, expanding mental health and addictions services, investing in new hospitals, long-term care facilities and schools. Our government will continue to support farmers with the most comprehensive crop insurance package ever. Another $12 billion for infrastructure over the next four years will make highways safer, expand access to high-speed internet, and increase our ability to generate power.

We have so many reasons to be optimistic about Saskatchewan’s future. Our government is committed to fostering further growth that will create more jobs, more investment and more confidence in our economy. The hard work of our local businesses, outside private investment, and a welcoming economic climate have all helped to drive this growth that works for everyone.