The year 2013 was a strong year for Saskatchewan's economy as population, employment, exports and manufacturing are all on track to hit new record levels says Economy Minister Bill Boyd.
"More people are living here, more people are working here, people are earning more money than ever before and we continue to increase trade with the rest of the world."
Saskatchewan's population hit a record of more than 1,114,000 as of October 2013. Employment growth was up 18,600 (3.5 per cent) in the first 11 months of 2013 when compared with the same timeframe as 2012. That means the province is on track to break the all-time record for annual employment growth of 13,000 set back in 1977.
Saskatchewan has had the lowest unemployment rate in the country through the first 11 months of 2013 at 4.8 per cent (seasonally adjusted). Regina had the lowest unemployment rate (3.5 per cent) and Saskatoon the second lowest (4.3 per cent) among major Canadian cities over the January-November period.
Saskatchewan products continue to be in demand around the world. International exports totalled $27.2 billion between January and October 2013, a record amount for the first 10 months of the year.
Major forecasters predict Saskatchewan will have the second best economic growth rate in 2013 at 3.0 per cent. In 2014, the province is predicted to again take second place after Alberta with a 2.6 per cent increase in GDP.
Average weekly earnings on a seasonally adjusted basis were up to $946.37 on average for the first ten months of 2013 compared to the same period last year.
