Jan. 4, 2010 – If an article in today’s Journal of Commerce is anything to go by, Saskatchewan will be one of Canada’s construction hot spots in 2010.

“After ending 2009 with a new record population and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, Saskatchewan is forecast to start the next decade with the strongest economic growth record in the country in 2010.

Construction sites were busy, with October building permits in the province showing the highest percentage increase in the nation.

“We are also seeing some good news on the construction front, which indicates a fair amount of optimism for business and consumers,” said Enterprise Saskatchewan Minister Ken Cheveldayoff.

Urban housing starts for November were also positive, reaching some of the highest levels in decades.

“Saskatchewan had positive job creation in 2009 while most other provinces were losing jobs,” the minister explained.

“Saskatoon and Regina had the two lowest unemployment rates among Canadian cities. Saskatchewan’s population hit an all-time high and is growing at its fastest pace in over 50 years.”"