The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed November 23-27, 2020, Saskatchewan Manufacturing Week, celebrating the innovative, entrepreneurial and competitive manufacturers that call the province home.
In 2019, Saskatchewan’s manufacturing industry had $16.3 billion in sales and provided $5.5 billion in total exports. The overall sector represented 5.6 per cent of the provincial gross domestic product. For every dollar invested in manufacturing, an economic spin off of three times is generated in the provincial economy.
“As a major wealth-generator and significant driver of the provincial economy, we’re proud of our manufacturing sector here in Saskatchewan,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison said. “Manufacturing Week is a great opportunity to profile the technologies, innovations and management tools for the ongoing success and growth of the industry.”
From 2009 to 2019, Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector had an average annual growth rate of 0.8 per cent, with real GDP rising from $4.3 billion in 2009 to approximately $4.6 billion in 2019. Saskatchewan’s Growth Plan includes a goal to increase the value of Saskatchewan manufacturing exports by 50 per cent by 2030. That will be achieved by ensuring Saskatchewan has a competitive tax and regulatory environment, expanding access to Canadian and international markets, providing incentives that improve efficiency and accelerate capital investment and reducing unnecessary red tape.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, over 25 companies in Saskatchewan’s manufacturing sector pivoted to produce medical supplies or personal protection equipment for local businesses, the provincial school system and the health care industry in North America.
