Saskatchewan

a special information feature

Eight months was all Jason Kinoshita needed to settle on Saskatchewan. Seven years after moving from Toronto to take a job at Mosaic Potash, Kinoshita has no plans to return, citing the career opportunities and quality of life he didnt have back in Ontario. Even though its a quieter, slower pace, I find that I am doing a lot more out here than I was in the city, he says. Its stories like Kinoshitas that are turning heads across the country, as more young Saskatchewans people are 2012 GDP growth moving to Saskatchewan * to find work and in many cases raise a family. A Canada overall: recent Statistics 1.8% Canada report named Saskatoon and Regina as two of the fastest growing and youngest cities in the country, with median ages of 34.9 years and 36.0 years, respectively. The big story here is the broad diversification of our economy, says Tim LeClair, CEO of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority. You get all of this excitement around all of these projects. It generates a lot of buzz and it also generates basically more capital inflow because its an exciting place to be. Its a statement backed up by economists predictions that Saskatchewan will have one fastest-growing economies in Canada in 2013. That growth is driven by significant investments in mining made by companies such as BHP Billiton Ltd., Mosaic Co., Cameco Corp. and Areva, which in turn spark investment in other areas such as manufacturing and professional services.
Sources: * Estimates by The Conference Board of Canada

This report was produced by RandallAnthony Communications Inc. (www.randallanthony.com) in conjunction with the advertising department of The Globe and Mail. Richard Deacon, National Business Development Manager, rdeacon@globeandmail.com. Photos: top two, Government of Saskatchewan; middle, Saskatchewan Roughriders Football Club, bottom two, Tourism Saskatoon

3.0%

Outperforming on multiple fronts, this province is

turning heads

Thanks to global demand, newly signed trade deals, and a number of projects and expansions taking place in this province, our oil and gas, potash and uranium remain hot commodities, says Bill Boyd, Saskatchewans Minister of the Economy. Still, with success comes challenges, and Saskatchewans biggest economic hurdle right now is a shortage of skilled workers to help keep the economy growing. The provinces labour market is both our primary opportunity and greatest challenge right now, adds Boyd, noting official numbers that identify the need for some 60,000 additional workers in the province by 2020. LeClair says the province has averaged more than 10,000 job postings a day for as far back as he can remember, most of which are in the trades such as construction and engineering. Attracting those skills and those professionals from around the country and from around the world seems to be our biggest challenge, says LeClair. Theres certainly no shortage of jobs to fill. I would say to corporate Canada and anybody looking at a career path, Saskatchewan and Saskatoon specifically would be a good choice. Over the past six years, Saskatchewans population has increased by over 94,000 people, one of most sustained periods of population growth in the provinces history. In 2010 alone, immigrants from 180 countries around the world moved to Saskatchewan,

a special information feature

settling in 340 different communities, according to Regina Regional Opportunities Commission president and CEO Larry Hiles. While job growth is being led by natural resources development and primary industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, Hiles says many workers are coming to support the demand for new infrastructure and accommodations. Not surprisingly, the In 2013, demands of a boompublic and private ing economy are also investment is putting more demand expected to exceed on the provinces infrastructure. Last fall, the provincial government transferred $150 million into a new SaskBuilds Fund to drive innovation in infrastructure financing, design and delivery, including public-private partnerships. The spending is Saskatchewans part of the Saseconomic growth plan katchewan Plan targets the need for for Growth which sets out the governments vision more workers for a province of 1.2 million people by 2020 by 2020. Saskatchewans prosperity and high standard of living are the envy of jurisdictions across Canada and around the globe, says Minister Boyd. Whether you are an individual looking to start a career in Saskatchewan, a family looking for a change of pace and a mountain of opportunities, or a business looking to set up shop within our borders and flourish, Saskatchewan has what you need, Boyd says. It was Saskatchewans diverse, stable and growing economy that attracted Montreal-born-and-raised Grant Goddard to the province, where he works as vice-president of northern mining operations for uranium mining giant Cameco Corp. While Goddard has worked in many areas around the world, he understands

billion

$20

60,000

Sask.: prosperity

Newcomers are discovering that Saskatchewan is an ideal place to stay and build a life.

Photos: Government of Saskatchewan

why Saskatchewan is so desirable to job seekers. Whether you want to look into skilled trades, a technical or academic area, whether its in Regina or Saskatoon at either of the universities, its a huge opportunity for people, Goddard says. Toronto-native Kinoshita says he is so content with his new life in Saskatchewan that he bought a home in Langenburg a small town located on the SaskatchewanManitoba border, about 250 kilometres northeast of Regina. From his new home base, Kinoshita has become an active member of the community. Ive met lots of friends who are involved in tons of activities, and right from the moment I moved here theyve tried to involve me in everything, he says. His advice to workers considering a move to the Saskatchewan: Do it. Now. You are going to be getting a good career, paid top wage and will have a quality of life you cant beat, he says. The message is clearly resonating in a world where career opportunities not to mention safe and welcoming communities that offer a reasonable cost of living among other pluses are in dwindling supply.

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Your Life. Connected.

a special information feature

Saskatoon is the youngest Canadian metropolitan area. Median age:

years

34.9

39.9%
(Canadas highest increase)

Urban housing starts in Saskatchewan in 2012 over 2011

Saskatchewans population growth rate in 2011-2012

Sask.: growth

2014-2017: Saskatoon is forecast to lead the country with an average yearly growth rate of *

2.1%

(Canada: 1.1%)

3.2%

By the numbers

2012 production volume of Saskatchewans three major crops estimated to be up by almost **

2012 Saskatchewan birth count the highest in

9%

22 years

3.7%
(Canadas forecast: 2.3% economic growth)

2013 real GDP growth estimate for Saskatoon *

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Innovation driving investment, jobs

Saskatchewan has the strongest economy and highest population growth in Canada, along with record low unemployment. Like the farmers who shaped its history, the provinces industry and government leaders are not simply reaping its resources, but redoubling efforts to ensure lasting prosperity through a unique innovation agenda. Building on Saskatchewans agricultural roots, for example, the province is a world leader in bio-research. According to Tim LeClair, CEO of the Saskatoon Regional Economic Development Authority, more than one-third of Canadas agricultural and bio-resource research takes place here. In December, the University of Saskatchewan launched the Global Institute for Food Security, headed by worldSaskatchewans postrenowned biotechnology researcher secondary institutions are the Roger Beachy. We have many of the heart of an innovation agenda that makes the province a answers here to the pressing questions of world-class contender in a the global food equation, says LeClair. wide range of sectors. Saskatoon also boasts VIDO-InterVac, among the largest Containment Level 3 vaccine and infectious disease research facilities in North America, and one of the few in the world with the capacity for large-animal research. Beyond the agricultural sector, the Canadian Light Source, Canadas only synchrotron, hosts scientists from around the world and all regions of Canada to do reNumber of jobs search that includes materiposted on saskjobs.ca als testing for the aerospace in January 2013: industry. In addition to being part of world-class academic and (up 12.26% applied research, Saskatchyear-over-year) ewans post-secondary institutions are driving innovation at many levels. This includes providing skills training to address an acute shortage of skilled workers, attracting international students and faculty, as well as contributing to the provinces economy and culture. Beyond the importance of producing skilled graduates, the economic impact of drawing 1,700 international students to the province each year is significant, says University of Regina president Vianne Timmons. Our students from outside of the province bring in $47 mil-

16,522

Photos: University of Regina Photography Dept.

lion in economic activity each year, and 80 per cent of last years graduating class indicated they want to stay, answering the critical shortage of skilled workers in the province. Investment related to research is exponential, Timmons explains. One health researcher hired with a $100,000 startup fund brought in $8 million in additional research funds within five years of his arrival, money that was used to hire research assistants, pay for students to pursue graduate studies and bring conferences to the province. At the same time, she says, our researchers provide advice, consultation and research services to businesses in the region. In partnership with First Nation and Mtis communities, Saskatchewans education sector has introduced innovative initiatives aimed at ensuring that Aboriginal residents have full access to the opportunities created by economic growth. Our strategic plan is called mmawohkamtowin, a Cree word that means working together towards a common goal, Timmons says. With four campuses throughout the province, the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST) pursues a wealth of applied research to help industry and individuals find reallife solutions to key business challenges, says president Larry Rosia. Everything we do is structured for student success and advancing the social and economic prosperity of Canada, as well as the province of Saskatchewan. Through innovative partnerships, SIAST is able to accurately align its programing with current and future employer demand. At the same time, says Rosia, industry helps provide funding and resources to bridge key labour-force gaps. The University of Regina and SIAST partnered to develop a new nursing program, for example, responding to a shortage of nursing graduates that was identified by the provincial government. And when the mining industry needed mining engineering technologists, SIAST worked with industry leaders to create a new teaching facility. We took in 24 qualified applicants in the fall of 2012, and we expect there will be no shortage of job offers from industry when they graduate, says Rosia.

Sask.: innovation

Wired for success

Saskatchewans Saskatchewans growth growth plan plan depends depends on on a a robust robust technology technology infrastructure. infrastructure. Ron Ron Styles, Styles, president president and and CEO CEO of of SaskTel, SaskTel, answers answers questions questions about about his his organizations organizations plans plans to to futurefutureproof proof telecommunications telecommunications services services in in the the province. province.
What What are are some some of of the the primary primary ways ways in in which which telecommunications telecommunications are are essential essential to to economic economic growth? growth?

market market realities realities and and powerful powerful new new ways ways of of serving serving our our customers. customers.
How How are are technological technological advances advances supporting supporting and and accelerating accelerating Saskatchewans Saskatchewans economy? economy?

What What are are some some of of the the challenges challenges that that must must be be overcome overcome in in order order to to ensure ensure optimum optimum capacity capacity for for economic economic growth? growth?

Todays Todays world world runs runs on on informainformation, tion, so so the the faster faster and and more more reliably reliably it it can can be be transmitted, transmitted, the the more more it it serves serves economic economic growth growth and and social social interchange. interchange. Were Were in in the the business business of of making making telecomtelecommunications munications work work for for people people and and businesses, businesses, but but to to do do that that we we have have to to future-proof future-proof our our networks. networks. That That means means optimizing optimizing our our legacy legacy services services even even as as we we transform transform our our company company in in the the face face of of emerging emerging

As As a a province, province, Saskatchewan Saskatchewan is is embracing embracing new new technology technology so so that that we we can can continue continue to to grow grow our our economy. economy. For For SaskTel, SaskTel, these these innovations innovations are are driving driving our our transformation transformation from from telco telco to to an an information information and and communications communications technology technology (ICT) (ICT) company. company. Just Just this this month, month, we we launched launched the the fastfastest est LTE LTE Wireless Wireless network network in in the the province province with with the the largest largest coverage coverage footprint. footprint. Whether Whether its its a a technitechnician cian checking checking well well sites sites in in the the oil oil patch patch or or a a roofing roofing contractor contractor using using his his shock-resistant shock-resistant smartsmartphone, phone, we we know know the the services services we we provide provide are are supporting supporting growth growth in in Saskatchewan. Saskatchewan.

We We know know that that speed speed and and relireliability ability are are important important when when you you are are serving serving the the information information and and communication communication needs needs of of a a provprovince ince that that is is in in this this kind kind of of boom, boom, but but there there is is another another factor factor that that it it would would be be easy easy to to lose lose sight sight of. of. Thats Thats customer customer service. service. Recently, Recently, SaskTel SaskTel was was ranked ranked by by J.D. J.D. Power Power and and Associates Associates number number one one in in overall overall customer customer satisfaction satisfaction in in the the full-service full-service provider provider category category among among all all of of the the major major wireless wireless carriers. carriers. Were Were proud proud to to have have achieved achieved that that ranking ranking by by being being uniquely uniquely responsive responsive to to the the needs needs of of the the people people who who are are responsible responsible for for Saskatchewans Saskatchewans strong strong ecoeconomic nomic growth, growth, as as well well as as to to our our customers customers at at home. home.

Realize. Our greater impact.

askatchewan is enjoying some of the most vigorous economic growth in Canada. Not only is the University of Regina a significant contributor to Saskatchewan's current economic prosperity, but a recent study by The Conference Board of Canada, entitled, Fuelling the Surge: The University of Regina's Role in Saskatchewan's Growth, concludes the University is one of the key public institutions leading provincial growth. Illustrating the University's far-reaching economic and cultural impact locally, provincially, nationally and internationally the report concludes the University fulfils seven crucial roles that contribute to provincial growth: producing skilled graduates; creating and discovering knowledge; performing research and development; providing expert advice and consultation services; generating knowledgeintensive enterprises; creating beneficial and attractive cultural environments; and developing leadership capacity. To learn more about how the University of Regina is fuelling the surge visit: www.uregina.ca/orp/papers.shtml

www.uregina.ca

a special information feature

A world of variety and value

Sask.: living

If its been a while since you visited Saskatchewan, its time to schedule a trip. The 100,000 freshwater lakes in the province still beckon, beside some of the countrys most beautiful campgrounds and fishing lodges. The worlds biggest skies still provide mystical daily light shows over Number of miles of windswept prairie. lakes close to Travel far enough and there downtown Regina are still immense boreal forests, battlefields and desert-like sand dunes to discover.

Commute time: under an hour

But youll see exciting changes in the provinces urban centres Regina, Saskatoon, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw which have all experienced unprecedented economic growth over the last decade. As a result of the many new jobs created by that growth, Saskatchewan has welcomed newcomers from around the world, says Larry Hiles, president and

Why SIAST?

Employers love SIAST grads - 97% say theyd hire another SIAST grad.

26,000 students 5,000 apprentices 17.3% Aboriginal student enrolment 150 programs 300 online courses

Photos: Top, Jenn Nelson; Bottom 4, Tourism Saskatoon

goSIAST.com

CEO of the Regina Regional Opportunities Commission. visitors Visitors now find this is a much more vibrant place than they expected, with a huge variety of cultures. When it comes to entertainment and eating out, there is a lot of variety. Even in Saskatchewans fast-growing cities, neighbourliness remains the norm, and those young and old know how to make their own fun, whatever the season. The Juno Awards are coming here in April, notes Hiles. We host the Grey Cup this fall, and the North American Indigenous Games in the summer of 2014. In May, Saskatoon hosts the MasterCard Memorial Cup, along with the Canadian Sponsorship Forum in May. The new Saskatoon Triathlon, part of the Subaru Western Triathlon Series, and the 21st Saskatoon Pride Festival happen in June. July brings the Dakota Dunes Open, a PGA Canada Golf Tour event, and the 10-day SaskTel Jazz Festival, with an anticipated 80,000 people enjoying some 140 performances. The province also offers unique value for conferences, says Todd Brandt, president and CEO of Tourism Saskatoon. Conventions, tradeshows and events are the basis of our tourism industry, so we really have to do it well. With one-stop service to most Canadian cities and a number of U.S. destinations, Saskatoons John G. Diefenbaker International Airport is just 10 minutes from the citys downtown. Most major accommodations are an easy walk away from TCU Place, the main arts and convention centre, says Brandt. There is an ease and an openness that makes it very simple for organizers to plan and execute great events here. Like the province itself, the facilities are spacious. We have the capacity to host a lot of conferences up to 3,000 in sit-down meals at our trade centres, he adds.