Neighboring Saskatchewan's diversifying economy is creating jobs despite the U.S. downturn. In August, the provincial government reported that job numbers were up over the previous month for the second month in a row. Statistics Canada figures show that the number of people employed in Saskatchewan increased by 2,700 to 473,000 from June 2001 to July 2001, and the province's Help Wanted Index rose 4.3 percent from July 2000 to July 2001 -- one of only three provinces to record a year-over-year improvement.
      A recent Manpower Temporary Services survey also showed that employers in Saskatchewan's two largest cities expect steady job growth. The survey shows 94 percent of Saskatoon employers and 93 percent of Regina employers anticipate staffing levels to increase or stay the same between July and September 2001.
      "The latest numbers highlight what we have been saying for months: Saskatchewan's economy is strong despite the challenges in agriculture," says Minister of Economic and Co-operative Development Eldon Lautermilch. "Those challenges continue to impact the overall number of jobs in the economy from last July, but it is heartening to see in those sectors where we are not as closely tied to agriculture, we are seeing job growth. For example, employment is up in manufacturing, construction and the resource industries."
      Saskatchewan plans to continue to diversify its economy with its new five-year economic development strategy, which will create a more competitive business climate and place greater emphasis on innovation and new technology. The province's first step toward achieving this goal is its $45.8 million CommunityNet program. The six-year, provincewide initiative will extend high-speed network and Internet access to public institutions in 366 communities. CommunityNet will link 834 educational facilities, 310 health facilities, 86 First Nations schools and 25 government offices over the next three years.