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Economic signs are still positive in Saskatchewan

 Recent global economic uncertainty doesn't seem to have put a damper on the positive momentum in southwest Saskatchewan.

Provincial Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison says housing starts in Swift Current are up 38 percent over last year.

"That's a very good indication of confidence in the future of the province... and the city of Swift Current," said Harrison.

"110 building permits (have been) handed out in Swift Current, new hotels going up in Swift Current and Shaunavon, there is some really positive activity... in southwest Saskatchewan."

Stats Canada says Saskatchewan led the country in manufacturing sales during the month of June; and increase almost ten times the national average. In June 2011, manufacturing sales were up 21% over June 2010. That is the highest growth in the country and well ahead of teh 2.3% posted nationally over the same period. Sales were up 0.7% between May and June.

Retail sales in Saskatchewan are up 9.5% from June of 2010. That is more than double the national average of 4.6%. Retail sales also went up 2.4% from May to June, the sixth consecutive month that sales were up on a month to month basis.

Wholesale trade also increased by 35% from June last year. On a monthly basis, Saskatchewan's wholesale trade increased by 3.6% between May and June this year.

The number of people in the province receiving regular EI benefits droped again in June and has been dropping for 15 consecutive months. Stats Canada says there were 2,670 (20.2%) fewer EI recipients in June compared to the same month last year.

Harrison says it's important to continue to educate the province's youth and draw people to Saskatchewan in order to fill the growing number of job vacancies and take advantage of this current growth period.

Interview with Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison: