The Saskatchewan economy continues to remain strong, as payroll earnings continue to increase.

The average weekly earnings in our province increased by 4.2% over November 2007.  That's the second largest growth among provinces in Canada just behind Alberta's 5.8%.  Advanced Education, Employment, and Labour Minister Rob Norris says while our provincial economy is strong, we do not live in isolation from the rest of the world.

Norris adds, although we have seen increases to payroll earning for many months now, we must monitor the economic scene closely.  Saskatchewan recorded an increase of 16,900 people working, with a jump of 3.4% in December 2008. 
The increase is seven times the national average of 0.5%.