Saskatchewan led the way for Canada's western provinces in terms of building permits in December of 2017.

Statistics Canada revealed that building permits rose to 69.7 per cent in Saskatchewan year over year, the second highest increase in Canada. Among the western provinces, it was the highest increase.

“Saskatchewan’s building permit growth rate in December was significantly higher than the national average,” said Export and Trade Development Minister Jeremy Harrison. “This shows confidence in our economy in both the short and long-term with jobs and investment.”

$242.5 million was the total value for building permits during December.

When comparing month over month, the Land of Living Skies was still the second highest in the country with a 31.5 per cent increase. Again, it was the highest increase among western Canada.

The comparison between December 2016 and 2017 was an 86.5 per cent rise for non-residential construction, while residential work was recorded at a 56.9 per cent bump.