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  Saskatchewan: Canada's bread basket  
 

A geographically and geologically diverse province, Saskatchewan possesses nearly 200 million km2 of cultivated farmland, 11% of Canada’s water, and rich petroleum and mineral resources. In addition to being the world leader in the export of potash, this province also grows 45% of Canada's grain (wheat, but also canola, flax and rye).

A stable and robust economy

Although Saskatchewan's economy has traditionally been based on agriculture and natural resources, there is now a progressive movement to add knowledge-based industries, including finance, insurance, education and health.

Important private sector firms in Saskatchewan include the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, the steelmaker Ipsco, farm implement manufacturer Brandt Industries and Cameco, the world's largest publicly traded uranium company. Crown corporations overseeing resource management - SaskTel, SaskEnergy and SaskPower - are located in the capital of Regina.

Grain harvest in Saskatchewan (2005)
Crop

Production in thousands of tons

Wheat

13,742

Oats

1,672

Barley

  5,345

Rye

184

Flax

881

Canola

4,633

Source: Saskatchewan Economic Account

Called the land of living skies

Saskatchewan is appealing to investors for its advanced transportation network, low business operating costs, secure energy sources, and skilled workforce. As well, immigrants are attracted to this province by a special quality of life that supports the individual, the family and the community as they grow.

Reputed for readily accepting others of different cultural backgrounds, Saskatchewan people are also known for being hard-working and highly educated. World-class educational institutions include the University of Saskatchewan, which offers a comprehensive range of life sciences, and the University of Regina, which has major research strengths in several areas including energy and the environment.

 

 
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Capital: Regina (pop. 192,800)
Population: 1,011,808 (3.0% Can. total)
Area: 651,036 km2 (comparable to France)
Geography: Fertile prairie over rolling hills in the south, forests becoming taiga in the extreme north.
Weather: Average high temp: summer 26.3C / winter -11C
Economy: Manufacturing, energy products, agriculture, forestry, mining.