REGINA — The provincial government was touting some good economic statistics in the legislature Monday.
Kindersley MLA Ken Francis noted the numbers in his member's statement, and in the process took a dig at the Opposition NDP.
His remarks are from Hansard:
“Mr. Speaker, it’s the last week of session, and over the last several weeks and months there’s been no shortage of good economic news here in the province. But according to the statistical experts opposite, none of it has been good. And that’s why it’s so important to separate the facts from the continued doom and gloom rhetoric we hear from the NDP [New Democratic Party] every day,”
“Here are the facts, Mr. Speaker. In March the value of building permits increased by 20.2 per cent month to month, and by 45.7 per cent year over year. Merchandise exports increased by 34.4 per cent month to month, 38.5 per cent year over year, and 27.6 per cent year to date. The value of manufacturing sales increased by 11.1 per cent month to month, and by 44.6 per cent year over year. The value of wholesale trade increased by 28.9 per cent year over year.
“In February, the value of retail trade increased by 2.4 per cent month to month, and by 13 per cent year over year. Investment in building construction also increased by ten and a half per cent month to month.
“These key economic indicators cover a wide swath of sectors. The fact that Saskatchewan is either leading or near the top in all of those says something. It says a lot, Mr. Speaker. It says Saskatchewan’s economy is vibrant, diverse, and strong. And if that’s bad news, Mr. Speaker, then I can’t imagine what the members opposite think is good. Thank you.”
