Boom Times for Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2013

If you’re looking for economic boom in 2013, you want to go west—to Saskatchewan and Alberta, that is. Canada’s Prairies are expected to exhibit a strong showing this year and will lead the rest of the country in economic growth.

Increased demand for potash and uranium in Saskatchewan from overseas customers will help revive mining activity in the province and will put the  economy in an upswing. The province of Saskatchewan  is going to be fueled primarily by population growth resulting in more consumer spending and a higher demand for housing. Already, the positive effects of growth are apparent: In February, the unemployment rate dropped by 0.3 percentage points compared to that of the previous month. In more tangible terms, this is reflected in the increase of 900 people who were employed compared to January this year. Statistics also reveal that compared to last February’s employment figures, the increase in the number of people employed is significant—there were 24, 400 more workers in the province this February.

Alberta, meanwhile, will continue to drive growth in Canada due to its strong energy sector. The development of Alberta’s oilsands will also be a major contributor to its GDP which is pegged at 3 percent this year. With these sectors robust, the construction boom in Alberta is also going to continue, further strengthening the economy. The economic growth is also strengthening the local population’s unemployment rates.  Like Saskatchewan, it has the lowest ratio of unemployed individuals for every job vacancy posted. At the national level, the ratio of unemployed people for a job vacancy was 5.7 in 2012 but in Alberta, the ratio is a meager 1.9 unemployed people for one job opportunity.

For those looking for greener pastures, Alberta and Saskatchewan  certainly have the platform to become  ideal destinations. However workers are bound to benefit more from the boom in Canada’s western provinces if they come prepared. Authorities note that the problem—and one of the barriers to Saskatchewan’s even stronger growth— lie in the shortage of skilled workers. If one’s goal is to not only gain employment in the prairies but to also be highly compensated for the work, then obtaining training and education beforehand will be essential.  Some sectors to focus on include agriculture, mining, and construction. Possessing these desired skills are certainly going to work in your favor should you be considering a permanent move to the Prairies.