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Saskatchewanians bring home more bacon

Oct 28, 2010 | 1:25 PM

Saskatchewan workers continue to bring home more money.

Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings of $852.99 are an all-time record for the province and the third highest in Canada after Alberta and Ontario.

According to the provincial government, in August, workers saw on average, a six per cent year-over-year increase in weekly earnings.

The increase compares to a 0.8 per cent increase in the Consumer Price Index during the same time.

“In yesterday's Speech from the Throne, we heard that Saskatchewan is on a road ‘marked by strong and continued growth … growth that marks the way to a better quality of life for Saskatchewan residents,” Rob Norris, minister of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration said in a news release.

“The numbers today offer a clear indication that we are seeing the benefits of continued growth in population, employment and earnings,” he said.

Norris also said that prospects for Saskatchewan workers remain positive, noting that the province just saw a nation-leading 9.6 per cent increase in the Conference Board of Canada's September Help Wanted Index.

“With more than 7,200 jobs currently available on www.saskjobs.ca, Saskatchewan's economy has created opportunities in every corner of the province,” Norris said.

bbosker@rawlco.com