Economic forecasts are based on a set of assumptions about how the economy will likely change over a certain time period. There are many factors, such as continuing globalization, technology developments, and economic, political, and social changes, that can influence how things actually develop.
This section looks at provincial expectations for economic growth, investment and job opportunities.

The publication An Overview of the Saskatchewan Economy and Labour Market, upon which Exploring Saskatchewan's Economy and Labour Market is based, was written before the events of September 11, 2001. Those events and the resulting economic effects are not included in the economic assumptions of this section.

Economic Conditions
Economic conditions globally and in the rest of Canada influence Saskatchewan’s economic performance.

Saskatchewan Finance estimates the following average annual rates of growth for the U.S., Canadian and Saskatchewan economies over the 2002 to 2004 period:

• U.S. 2.8%


• Canada 3.2%


• Saskatchewan 2.4%

Saskatchewan’s economic growth is supported by investments made in various sectors of the economy. The total estimate of money spent on 286 projects in Saskatchewan is expected to exceed $6.5 billion, according to the 2001 Major Projects Inventory published by Saskatchewan Industry and Resources (formerly Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development). The inventory lists major projects in Saskatchewan, valued at over $2 million that are both planned and under construction.

The largest investment, over $1 billion, is expected in the institutional area, including health and education-related projects, like the $174 million Canadian Light Source Synchrotron.

A number of projects in the energy sector are expected to involve a total investment of $1 billion. Significant investments are also expected in industrial projects such as oil refineries and sawmills and in power transmission and distribution projects.

Read on . .