Saskatchewan

Saskatchewan

1 Location and Size
2 Topography
3 Climate
4 Plants and Animals
5 Environmental Protection
6 Population
7 Ethnic Groups
8 Languages
9 Religions
10 Transportation
11 History
12 Provincial Government
13 Political Parties
14 Local Government
15 Judicial System
16 Migration
17 Economy
18 Income
19 Industry
20 Labor
21 Agriculture
22 Domesticated Animals
23 Fishing
24 Forestry
25 Mining
26 Energy and Power
27 Commerce
28 Public Finance
29 Taxation
30 Health
31 Housing
32 Education
33 Arts
34 Libraries and Museums
35 Communications
36 Press
37 Tourism, Travel, and Recreation
38 Sports
39 Famous Saskatchewaners
40 Bibliography

ORIGIN OF PROVINCE NAME: Derived from the Cree Indian word kisiskatchewanisipi, which means "swift-flowing river," and was first used to describe the Saskatchewan River.

NICKNAME: Canada's Breadbasket (also: The Wheat Province).

CAPITAL: Regina.

ENTERED CONFEDERATION: 1 September 1905.

MOTTO: Multis e gentibus vires (From many peoples strength).

COAT OF ARMS: In the center, the provincial shield of arms displays a red lion, which symbolizes loyalty to the British Crown, and (over a field of green) three gold wheat sheaves, which symbolize Saskatchewan's agriculture. Above the shield is a crest with a beaver holding a western red lily and carrying a royal crown on its back. Supporting the shield are a lion on the left and a deer on the right; both wear collars made of Prairie Indian beads. Beneath the shield the provincial motto appears on a scroll entwined with western red lilies. The red signifies the fires that once swept the prairies, green represents vegetation, and gold symbolizes ripening grain.

FLAG: Horizontal bars of equal width with green above (for the northern forests) and yellow below (for the southern grain region). The provincial shield of arms appears in the upper quarter on the staff side and a western red lily lies in the half farthest from the staff.

FLORAL EMBLEM: Western red lily (also known as the prairie lily).

TARTAN: Saskatchewan Tartan (gold, brown, green, red, yellow, white, and black).

BIRD: Prairie sharp-tailed grouse.

TREE: White birch.

TIME: 6 AM CST = noon GMT; 5 AM MST = noon GMT.

1 Location and Size

Saskatchewan, almost rectangular in shape, is located between the two other Prairie Provinces, with Manitoba to the east and Alberta to the west. The Northwest Territories are to the north, and the US states of Montana and North Dakota are to the south. Saskatchewan covers some 251,700 square miles (651,900 square kilometers). It is the only province formed entirely of man-made borders.

2 Topography

The northern part of Saskatchewan lies on the Canadian Shield geologic formation which stretches across much of Canada. As a result, there are numerous lakes (nearly 100,000), rivers, bogs, and rocky outcroppings. About one-eighth of the entire province is covered with water. The southern part of the province is relatively flat prairie, with occasional valleys created by erosion from the glacial era. The south is where most of the population lives. The highest point is at Cypress Hills, 4,566 feet (1,392 meters) above sea level. The province has three major river systems, which all empty into Hudson Bay: North and South Saskatchewan, Assiniboine, and Churchill. Saskatoon, the largest city, is divided by the South Saskatchewan River.

Athabasca Provincial Park has sand dunes 100 feet (30 meters) high and semi-arid vegetation. Nowhere else in the world are dunes found so far north.

3 Climate

The whole province enjoys a hot, dry summer. The town of Estevan in the southeast averages 2,540 hours of sunshine per year, more than any other city in Canada.

Saskatchewan: Population Profile

Estimated 2006 population	968,157
Population change, 2001–2006	−1.1%
Percent Urban/Rural populations, 2001
Urban	64.3%
Rural	35.7%
Foreign born population	5.0%
Population by ethnicity
German	275,060
Canadian	240,535
English	235,715
Scottish	172,300
Irish	139,205
Ukrainian	121,735
French	109,800
North American Indian	102,285
Norwegian	60,510
Polish	51,445
Métis	40,110

Population by Age Group

Major Cities by Population

City	Population, 2006
Saskatoon	202,340
Regina	179,246
Prince Albert	34,138
Moose Jaw	32,132
Yorkton	15,038
Swift Current	14,946
North Battleford	13,190
Estevan	10,084

In Regina, the normal daily temperature ranges from 0°f (−18°c) in January to 66°f (19°c) in July. Normal daily temperatures for Saskatoon are −2°f (−19°c) in January and 66°f (19°c) in July. The recorded high temperature in Saskatchewan of 113°f (45°c) was set on 5 July 1937 at Midale; the record low, −70°f (−56.7°c), was set on 1 February 1893 at Prince Albert.

4 Plants and Animals

Saskatchewan's southern plains were once covered by native prairie grass. Grass fires started by nature would often sweep over the plains. Western wheat grass, snowberry, and silver sage are common to Grasslands National Park, located in the extreme south. To the north, several types of berries and wildflowers, Labrador tea, and feather moss are commonly found under the aspens and black spruce trees of Prince Albert National Park.

The prairie sharp-tailed grouse, one of the province's most common native game birds, is the official bird of Saskatchewan. Other common bird species include the Hungarian partridge, ruffed grouse, and spruce grouse. Bison, eagles, osprey, white pelicans, beaver, elk, moose, and wolves inhabit Prince Albert National Park. Golden eagles, pronghorn antelope, prairie rattlesnakes, sage grouse, prairie falcons, bobcats, and porcupines are found in Grasslands National Park. Lake trout, walleye, northern pike, and Arctic grayling are among 68 fish species in the province.

In 1997, the worst outbreak of avian botulism (a fatal bacterial disease among birds) in decades was reported at Saskatchewan's Old Wives Lake, where an estimated one million birds died (85% ducks).

In 2006, there were eight plant species listed as threatened or endangered, including the small-flowered sand-verbana, buffalograss, and hairy prairie clover. The same year, there were 20 animal species listed as endangered or threatened, including the burrowing owl, lake sturgeon, Ord's kangaroo rat, plains bison, woodland caribou, and the eastern yellow-bellied racer. The passenger pigeon has become extinct.

5 Environmental Protection

Saskatchewan is actively participating in efforts to address climate change and greenhouse gas emissions. However, as of 2002, Saskatchewan did not support the Kyoto Protocol emissions target set by the Canadian government.

In 2002, a total of 795,124 metric tons of non-hazardous waste was disposed of in public and private waste disposal facilities in the province of Saskatchewan. Of that total, residential sources accounted for 278,692 metric tons, while industrial, commercial and institutional sources accounted for 441,109 metric tons, and construction and demolition sources accounted for 75,323 metric tons.

6 Population

Saskatchewan's estimated population, as of 1 April 2006, stood at 968,157. Of Canada's 13 provinces or territories, Saskatchewan was among those that experienced a decline in population from the previous year's total. Saskatchewan's population density is the lowest among the four provinces of western Canada. As of 2006, 19% of all residents were under 14 years of age. The median age increased from 32.6 years in 1991 to 36.7 years in 2001. That was still younger than the national average of 37.6 years, however. Saskatoon had 202,340 residents in 2006, while Regina had 179,246. Other large cities and their populations include Prince Albert, 34,138; Moose Jaw, 32,132; Yorkton, 15,038; Swift Current, 14,946; and North Battleford, 13,190.

7 Ethnic Groups

Saskatchewan is the only province where the number of people of British or French background is smaller than the number of people from other ethnic groups. Various European ethnic groups are found here, including British, German, Ukrainian, French, Norwegian, Polish, Dutch, Swedish, and Russian. Its Aboriginal (Native Peoples) population was 102,285 in 2001, or 10.6% of the total. Many other non-European peoples (Chinese, blacks, Indians and other southern Asians, and Filipinos) live in Saskatchewan as well.

8 Languages

In 2001, 84.9% of all Saskatchewaners claimed English as their first language, 1.8% reported French, and 12.3% reported some other first language (1% had two or more native languages).

9 Religions

Most Saskatchewaners are Christian. Close to half of the population, or 449,195 people, are Protestant. The leading Protestant denominations are represented, including United Church of Canada members, Lutherans, Anglicans, Pentecostals, Baptists, and Presbyterians. Catholics—31.7% of the population—number 305,390. About 1.5% of Saskatchewaners are Eastern Orthodox. Other faiths are also represented in smaller numbers, including Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and Jews. About 151,455 Saskatchewaners report no religious affiliation.

10 Transportation

During the frontier era, waterways such as the Clearwater and Churchill Rivers became established fur-trade routes, as did the overland Carlton Trail.

Saskatchewan has about 150,000 miles (250,000 kilometers) of roads. In 2005, registered road motor vehicles numbered 730,068. There were also 3,780 buses, 5,378 motorcycles and mopeds, and 3,545 off road, construction, and farm vehicles. There were 121,830 registered trailers. Both Regina and Saskatoon have bus systems with more than 110 buses in each fleet. A fleet of 12 provincial ferries serve the Saskatchewan River system as of 2006.

In 2004, there were about 6,970 miles (11,217 kilometers) of rail track in the province. International airports are located at Regina and Saskatoon. In 2004, the Saskatoon airport served about 803,541 passengers. In 2006, there were 18 provincial airports.

11 History

Fur and Farming

Saskatchewan is referred to as one of Canada's Prairie Provinces because its southern geography consists of extensive plains. The first European explorers and trappers to visit Saskatchewan found established settlements of Aboriginal, or native, peoples. The Chipewyan Indians lived in the north, the nomadic Blackfoot roamed the eastern plains, and the Assiniboine inhabited the west. The territory of the Cree, who were long-time residents of the north, also extended southward to the plains.

The earliest explorer to the region was England's Henry Kelsey of the Hudson's Bay Company. Around 1690 he followed the Saskatchewan River to the southern plains of Saskatchewan, which was especially good fur-trapping country. Fur-trading companies and trading posts soon sprang up, becoming the foundation of many present-day settlements.

Threats to Natives' Way of Life

For about 200 years, the Hudson's Bay Company owned and oversaw the vast Northwest Territories, including Saskatchewan. Because these regions were perfect for farming and colonizing, the Government of Canada purchased the Territories in 1870. The passage of the Dominion Lands Act in 1872 encouraged families known as homesteaders to acquire, live on, and cultivate tracts of Saskatchewan farmland. Another act was passed to help stimulate immigration, and the establishment of a new railway began bringing waves of settlers into these rich lands.

As more and more Europeans arrived in the area, the Native people began to worry that they would be pushed out and lose control of their land, their language, and their political rights. When the Métis, people of mixed French and Indian heritage, approached the federal government with their concerns, they were told that they had no legal claim to the land. This led to a long conflict known as the North West Rebellion, during which the Métis fought hard for their native land. When it was all over, the Native peoples were forced to surrender to the Canadian government's forces. Many of the Métis ended up leaving their land and moving elsewhere.

Economic Changes

After the Métis uprising had been brought under control, immigration and settlement of the area expanded rapidly. When the Territories became too large to manage, they were reorganized. Saskatchewan was established as a province in 1905, with Regina as its capital. The early years of the 20th century were prosperous ones for the new province. Between 1885 and 1911, the population of the region grew from approximately 32,000 to 493,000. Furthermore, the price of wheat—the main crop grown by farmers on the plains—continued to climb during these years. After World War I (1914–18), however, the people of Saskatchewan suddenly faced a bleak future. Wheat prices fell 50% by 1920. Jobs were scarce and low-paying, and tariffs (taxes) on imported products kept prices for consumer goods high.

Over the course of the 1920s, grain prices recovered, and Canada as a whole experienced a period of rapid industrialization. Improvements to railways and roads boosted commerce. Automobiles, telephones, electrical appliances, and other consumer goods became widely available. As in the United States, consumer confidence led to the rapid expansion of credit and greater business opportunities.

The Great Depression, a period of severe economic downturn that began in 1929, hit Saskatchewan and the other Prairie Provinces very hard. In addition to the falling grain prices of the 1920s, droughts and frequent crop failures devastated the economy of the province. Feeling that the federal government's grain policies did not meet their needs, Saskatchewan farmers began to look for a way to gain more control over the grain industry. As a result, they created a cooperative organization called the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. The Pool allowed wheat to be sold directly to foreign importers; all profits were then divided among the Pool's members. By 1924, about 45,000 farmers were under contract to the Pool. As economic conditions in Saskatchewan worsened in the 1930s, social welfare programs in the area expanded rapidly. The provincial income in Saskatchewan decreased by 90% during the 1930s, and two-thirds of the province's population needed welfare assistance. These harsh economic conditions frequently resulted in protests and demonstrations by unemployed workers, the most famous being the Regina Riot.

World War II (1939–45) brought an end to the Depression, and in the 1940s consumer spending and immigration to Canada increased rapidly. Urbanization spread quickly with the passage of the National Housing Act, which made it easier for ordinary people to purchase their own homes. Unemployment insurance and other social welfare programs were also created following the war. In 1945, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF), led by Tommy Douglas, became the first socialist government elected in North America. (Socialism is a political and economic system in which the means of production are owned and controlled by the government.) In 1949, the CCF was also responsible for the creation of the Saskatchewan Arts Board, the first publicly funded council of the arts in North America. Later, under the leadership of Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, old age pensions were increased (1951) and a national hospital insurance plan was introduced (1957).

The recovery of the 1940s and 1950s saw the economy of Saskatchewan—once dependent solely on agriculture—branch out into the development of oil, uranium, potash, coal, and other minerals. All of Saskatchewan's industries demanded a plentiful water supply, but water availability in the southern part of the province was rather unpredictable. To address this problem, Lake Diefenbaker on the South Saskatchewan River was created in 1958 to act as a reservoir.

The prosperity enjoyed by Saskatchewan farmers at this time was threatened in 1970, when grain sales fell drastically. Farmers faced hardships that reminded many of the difficult Depression years. Fortunately, recovery from this downturn began almost immediately, with an increase in sales and a rise in wheat and barley prices in 1971. The 1970s and 1980s brought other progress, particularly in the areas of culture and sports. The Saskatchewan Centre of the Arts opened in Regina in 1970, and the University of Regina was established there in 1974. In 1989, the city of Saskatoon hosted the Jeux Canada Games, and the Saskatchewan Roughriders won the Grey Cup for the second time. (They had also been victorious in 1966.) The late 1980s saw the emergence of Saskatoon as a major trading centre of western Canada. Its population in these years rose to surpass that of Regina.

On 17 December 1992 Canada joined the United States and Mexico in signing the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which was built upon the US-Canada Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA, which was implemented in 1994, seeks to create a single market of 370 million people.

The Québec Question

Canada's unity has been threatened by the possibility of Québec's secession, or separation, from the rest of the country. Québec is a French-speaking area that places high value on the preservation of its French culture. The Meech Lake Accord (1987) and the Charlottetown Accord (1992) both proposed the recognition of Québec as a "distinct society" within the nation. The Canadian government had hoped that these accords would alleviate Québec's fears of cultural loss and discrimination while maintaining a unified Canada, but Québec's separation issue remains unresolved.

Early 21st Century

In the early 2000s, Saskatchewan was taking steps to improve its educational system. It was also looking to improve health care, create jobs, and grow the economy. Also, steps were taken to promote a "green" Saskatchewan: breakthroughs in renewable energy sources, environmental technology, and energy conservation were geared to support an economy growing in harmony with the natural environment.

On 5 November 2004, the Court of Queen's Bench ruled that Saskatchewan's laws regarding marriage discriminated against same-sex couples, and followed a lawsuit that had been filed on 30 September of that same year, challenging the provincial statutes. On 20 August 2005, same-sex marriage in all jurisdictions within Canada became legal, when federal law C-38, passed in July of that year, went into effect.

12 Provincial Government

The structure of the provincial government reflects that of the federal government. For example, the provincial premier, as the majority party leader of the legislature, functions much like the Canadian prime minister. Provincial legislators, like their federal counterparts in Parliament, are elected to represent a constitutional jurisdiction and pass legislation. They do so as members of the 58-seat Legislative Assembly. A provincial lieutenant-governor approves laws passed by the legislature, much like the Governor General at the federal level. There is no provincial equivalent, however, to the federal Senate.

13 Political Parties

After Saskatchewan entered the confederation in 1905, political parties catered to the interests of farmers. The Liberal Party gained the majority of seats, eventually holding 91% of them in 1934. Soon, the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) became more important, and often held the majority from 1944 to 1971.

The most recent general election was held on 5 November 2003. The parties held the following number of seats in Saskatchewan's Legislative Assembly in 2003 (following the election): New Democratic Party, 30; Saskatchewan Party, 28; Liberal Party, 0.

14 Local Government

Saskatchewan's municipalities are classified as the following: rural municipalities, villages, resort villages, towns, and cities; in the north there are 11 northern settlements, 14 recreational subdivisions, and 8,000 northern dispositions. Saskatchewan in 2003 had 9 cities, 33 municipalities, 4 rural municipalities, and 3 villages.

15 Judicial System

The Canadian Constitution grants provincial jurisdiction over the administration of justice, and allows each province to organize its own court system and police forces. The federal government has exclusive domain over cases involving trade and commerce, banking, bankruptcy, and criminal law. The Federal Court of Canada has both trial and appellate divisions for federal cases. The nine-judge Supreme Court of Canada is an appellate court that determines the constitutionality of both federal and provincial statutes. The Tax Court of Canada hears appeals of taxpayers against assessments by Revenue Canada.

The provincial court system consists of the Provincial Court, which hears criminal and civil cases, small claims, family and youth proceedings, and traffic violations; the Court of Queen's Bench, which hears serious civil and criminal cases, and some family law matters, including divorce; and the Court of Appeal, Saskatchewan's highest court, which hears certain appeals from the Provincial Court and the Court of Queen's Bench.

In 2005, there were 1,983 violent crimes per 100,000 persons, and about 5,484 property crimes per 100,000 persons.

16 Migration

The Métis, people of mixed European and Aboriginal descent, were among the first settlers, many of them having migrated from Manitoba.

A major wave of immigration began in 1899 and continued until 1929. By the early 1920s, over 20% of all Canadians lived in the Prairie Provinces (Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta), up from just 8% in 1911.

In 2001, of the 47,825 immigrants living in Saskatchewan, 17.7% had come from the United Kingdom, and 12.3% came from the United States. About 13.8% came from Northern and Western European countries other than the United Kingdom (mostly from Germany). Some 13.6% came from Eastern Europe (mostly from Poland). About 9.6% came from Southeast Asia (mostly from the Philippines) and 8.7% from East Asia (mostly from China).

Premiers of Saskatchewan

TERM	PREMIER	PARTY
1905–16	Thomas Walter Scott	Liberal
1916–22	William Melville Martin	Liberal
1922–26	Charles Avery Dunning	Liberal
1926–29	James Garfield Gardiner	Liberal
1929–34	James Milton Anderson	Conservative
1934–35	James Garfield Gardiner	Liberal
1935–44	William John Patterson	Liberal
1944–61	Thomas Clement Douglas	CCF
1961–64	Woodrow Stanley Lloyd	CCF
1964–71	William Ross Thatcher	Liberal
1971–82	Allan Emrys Blakeney	New Democratic
1982–91	Donald Grant Devine	Conservative
1991–01	Roy John Romanow	New Democratic
2001–	Lorne Calvert	New Democratic

Alberta is the leading province of origin for incoming internal migration and the leading province of destination for outward internal migration. In the period 1996–2001, Saskatchewan was among six provinces or ter-ritories to experience a net domestic migration loss across all five census age groups (5-14 years; 15-29 years; 30-44 years; 45-64 years; and 65 years and over). For that period, the province had a net loss of 24,940 people, or 2.7%.

17 Economy

During the early 20th century, with land available at token prices, agriculture gradually replaced the fur trade. Today, other prominent industries include mining, meat processing, electricity production, and petroleum refining.

In 2005, Saskatchewan's gross domestic product (GDP) totaled c$42.490 billion, up from c$39.999 billion the year before.

18 Income

In 2005, the average weekly wage amounted to c$669.68. Average family income in the province was c$53,500 in 2004.

19 Industry

In 2005, the shipment value of all products manufactured in Saskatchewan totaled c$9.938 billion, of which food products accounted for the largest portion at c$1.992 billion, followed by chemicals at c$1.075 billion, wood products at c$836.2 million, and machinery at c$751 million.

A total of 30,300 people were employed in the province's manufacturing sector in 2005, or 6% of all those actively employed.

20 Labor

In 2006, the labor force included 518,100 people. The total number of employed persons was 490,300 and the number of unemployed persons was 27,800, for an unemployment rate of 5.4%. The hourly minimum wage as of January 2004 was c$6.65. In 2005, the average hourly wage among all industries was c$17.22.

The sectors with the largest numbers of employed persons in 2005 were trade, 78,300; health care and social services, 58,100; agriculture, 46,600; educational services, 38,800; manufacturing, 30,300; accommodation and food services, 29,700; public administration, 27,200; construction, 26,300; finance, insurance, and real estate and leasing, 25,700; transportation and warehousing, 24,900; other services, 22,600; information, culture, and recreation, 20,300; forestry, fishing, mining, and oil and gas, 18,600; professional, scientific, and technical services, 18,000; business and other support services, 13,400; and utilities, 4,600.

21 Agriculture

About one-third of Saskatchewan's area consists of cultivated lands. In 1905, when Saskatchewan entered the Canadian confederation, agriculture was the only industry and it centered on wheat farming. In 1907, the development of the Marquis strain of wheat (a fast-growing type that thrives in the short but intense growing season of the northern prairie) expanded farming and settlement in northern Saskatchewan.

Saskatoons (a berry) and strawberries are the top fruit crops produced. The top field-grown vegetable crops are sweet corn, cabbage, and green peas. In 2005, the total wheat production was about 13.7 million metric tons. Other crops that year included 4.6 million metric tons of canola and 2.4 million metric tons of peas. Specialty crops in 2005 included about 170,000 metric tons of mustard seeds and 11,700 metric tons of sunflower seeds.

There were 50,598 farms operating in Saskatchewan in 2001. The total farm area that year was 64.9 million acres (26.3 million hectares), and 37.9 million acres (15.4 million hectares) were used for crops. In 2001, 773 farms were growing certified organic products. There were 298 farms with greenhouses under glass, plastic, or other protection. There were 9 sod farms, 44 farms growing Christmas trees, and 94 farms growing nursery products in 2001. In 2005, total farm ash receipts were about c$6.2 billion.

22 Domesticated Animals

Saskatchewan is a major Canadian producer of cattle and hogs. As of 2001, the livestock population included 3.4 million head of cattle, with over 27,500 dairy cows. There were also 1.3 million pigs and over 142,000 sheep and lambs. In 2005, poultry production included 21.9 million chickens valued at c$49.2 million and 674,000 turkeys valued at c$8.4 million. The total value of livestock receipts in 2003 was c$1.65 billion. Milk and cream production in 2005 was estimated at about 57.3 million gallons (217 million liters) valued at c$132 million. Egg production in 2005 was valued at c$31 million.

23 Fishing

Although commercial fishing is not a large contributor to the provincial economy, sport fishing on Saskatchewan's 94,000 lakes is very popular. Sport fishing is important to many local economies, especially in the northern parts of Saskatchewan. In 2000, the province had 130,076 residents actively engaged in sport fishing within Saskatchewan. Popular game fish for sport anglers include walleye, perch, trout, Arctic grayling, goldeye, burbot, whitefish, and sturgeon.

24 Forestry

About half of Saskatchewan is covered with forest. About 97% of the 71.2 million acres (28.8 million hectares) of forest land is provincial Crown land. Northern forests are Saskatchewan's most important renewable natural resource, with softwoods the focal point of forestry development. White birch, found primarily in the northern three-fourths of the province and long used by the Plains Indians to make birch bark canoes, is today used for lumber, plywood, veneer, and fuel.

In 2004, lumber production totaled 38.5 million cubic feet (1.091 million cubic meters). The value of forestry product exports in 2005 was c$880.9 million, which included wood pulp softwood lumber and newsprint. The forestry industry directly employed 4,000 persons in 2005.

25 Mining

Saskatchewan is the world's largest producer of potash, providing for about one-third of the world demand. Potash, which is used in fertilizers, is mined near Saskatoon, Regina, Esterhazy, and Rocanville. Yearly sales of potash are estimated at c$1 billion per year. The province is also the world leader in production of uranium. Saskatchewan's uranium production was 12,597 metric tons in 2005, when it was valued at c$1 billion. In 2005, the total value of mineral pro-duction was c$3.6 billion. Metallic minerals accounted for about c$1.1 billion of the total mineral production. Other leading minerals for the province's mining industry include copper, sand and gravel, salt, and gold.

26 Energy and Power

Saskatchewan is Canada's second-highest crude oil-producing province, and a leading producer of natural gas. As of 2004, Manitoba had crude oil reserves of 1.182 billion barrels, and natural gas reserves of 3 trillion cubic feet. In 2005, Saskatchewan had 1,974 producing oil wells and 1,578 producing natural gas wells. In that same year, exports by Saskatchewan of crude oil averaged 328,000 barrels per day out of a total production of 419,000 barrels per day. In 2005, natural gas production averaged 700 million cubic feet per day. Saskatchewan has two refining facilities, one in Regina with a refining capacity of 85,100 barrels per day, and a second refinery in Moose Jaw, that is only used for asphalt production.

In 2002, Saskatchewan produced 5.7 million metric tons of coal, all of it used for heating and generating power.

The majority of Saskatchewan's electric power comes from thermal (steam, and internal combustion) sources. In 2004, the province's installed power generating capacity stood at 3.796 million kilowatts, of which thermal power capacity accounted for 2.921 million kilowatts, followed by hydroelectric at 853,160 kilowatts of generating capacity. Nearly all thermal generating capacity was accounted for by steam at 2.270 million kilowatts. Electric power output in 2004 totaled 19.436 million megawatt hours, of which steam-powered sources accounted for 15.232 million megawatt hours, followed by hydroelectric sources at 2.746 million megawatt hours. Wind/tidal sources produced 73,205 megawatt hours of power. As of that same year, the province had no nuclear generating capacity.

SaskPower is Saskatchewan's major electricity supplier.

27 Commerce

In 2005, international exports by Saskatchewan amounted to c$14.07 billion, while imports that same year totaled c$5.6 billion. The United States was the largest consumer of Saskatchewan's exports at c$9.53 billion, followed by China, Japan, and India. The united States was also the leading source of imports to the province that same year at c$4.88 billion, followed by Denmark, China, and Japan.

In 2005, general merchandise store sales amounted to over c$1.5 billion. Total retail trade that year amounted to over c$11 billion.

28 Public Finance

The fiscal year runs from 1 April to 31 March. For fiscal year 2006, total revenues were c$9.241 billion, while government expenditures totaled c$8.998 billion, leaving a surplus of c$243 million. The largest expenditures were for health, education, resource conservation and industrial development, social services, and charges on the debt. As of 31 March 2004, the province's total net direct debt amounted to c$11.940 billion.

29 Taxation

As of 2005, the provincial personal income tax system was set in three brackets with rates ranging from 11% to 15%. The retail sales tax was 7%. Major excise (consumption) taxes were levied on gasoline at c$0.15 per liter and cigarettes at c$35 per carton (in addition to a federal tax of c$15.85 per carton). Corporate income taxes were levied at rates of 10% to 17% for large businesses and 5% for small businesses (with annual income of c$300,000 or less). Property taxes are levied by municipalities.

The average family of four (two parents and two children) in 2003 earned c$76,544. Such a family paid c$36,772 in taxes.

In 2005/06, it was estimated that the province collected c$1.3 billion in personal income tax, c$696 million in corporate income tax, and c$1 billion in general sales tax.

30 Health

In 2005, there were an estimated 12,144 live births in Saskatchewan, an increase of 81 from 2004. There were 9,195 deaths that year, an increase of 93 from the year before. Life expectancy for men in 2001 was 76.4 years, and 82.3 years for women. Reported cases of selected diseases in 2002 included gonococcal infections, 560; giardiasis, 168; salmonellosis, 161; hepatitis B, 43; and campylobacteriosis, 254. Between November 1985 and June 2003, 407 residents had become infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS.

Saskatchewan has over 130 hospitals and health centers. The Regina General Hospital is the largest health care facility in southern Saskatchewan.

31 Housing

Saskatchewan had 379,680 households in 2001. The average household size was 2.5 persons. There were 288,075 households living in single-detached houses, 10,715 households living in apartments in buildings with five or more stories, 6,900 households living in mobile homes, and 73,990 households living in other dwellings, including row houses and apartments in buildings with fewer than five stories. In 2002, c$958.5 million was invested in residential housing construction. From 2001–05, there were 15,877 new housing starts in the province.

32 Education

In 2003/04, Saskatchewan had 178,932 students enrolled in its public elementary and secondary schools, down from 182,687 the year before. A total of 11,805 educators were employed by the province's public school system in 2003/04. Spending that same year by the province on its elementary and secondary public schools totaled c$1.422 billion.

As of 2005, there were 3 public, 10 private, and 11 community college and university campuses in the province. The University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon, and the University of Regina are the province's two major universities. The First Nations University of Canada (formerly the Saskatchewan Indian Federated College) is affiliated with the University of Regina. It is the first university-level institution in North America operated by and for Native North Americans. Enrollment at First Nations University of Canada has grown from 9 students in 1976 to about 1,200 in 2003/04.

In the 2003/04, there were 34,560 students enrolled in the province's colleges and universities. Of that total, 26,480 were full-time students and 8,080 were part-time students.

33 Arts

The Regina Symphony Orchestra is Canada's oldest symphony orchestra. Regina's Globe Theatre company is the city's oldest theater and performs in the old city hall downtown. Saskatoon also has a symphony orchestra and several theaters. Filmpool in Regina is an artist-run center for the promotion of independent filmmaking. There are also writers' and artists' colonies, a storytelling festival, and many art galleries in the province. Per capita provincial spending on the arts in Saskatchewan in 2000/01 was c$71.

34 Libraries and Museums

The Saskatchewan Provincial Library service coordinates all the public libraries. In 2005, there were a total of 320 libraries in the province organized in 10 library systems. The largest public libraries are Regina Public Library, with nine branches, and the Saskatoon Public Library, with seven branches. Regional systems—Chinook, Lakeland, Palliser, Parkland, Southeast, Wapiti, and Wheatland—provide public library services to other parts of the province. There is also a special Aboriginal Library Services division. In 2004, about 94.9% of all elementary and secondary schools had libraries. The Murray Memorial Library of the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon is a depository library for the United Nations.

In 2006, there were about 258 museums in the province. Regina has the Plains Historical Museum, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police Centennial Museum, the Saskatchewan Museum of Natural History, and the Saskatchewan Science Centre. Saskatoon is the home of the Western Development Museum and the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. The Right Honourable Diefenbacker Canada Centre in Saskatoon maintains the collection of papers, letters, and memorabilia of the late prime minister John G. Diefenbacker.

35 Communications

As of 2002, Saskatchewan had 28 AM and FM radio stations, and 50 television stations. The Regina metropolitan area has 7 local AM and 9 FM radio stations (including CBC French) and 4 broadcast television stations; Cable Regina offers Canadian and American cable stations. As of 2005, about 58.3% of the population had home access to the Internet.

36 Press

In 2005, there were four major daily newspapers, including The Leader-Post (Regina), The Star Phoenix (Saskatoon), the Times-Herald (Moose Jaw), and the Daily Herald (Prince Albert). There were about 76 weekly newspapers in the province in 2005, with two of the largest being The Southwest Booster (Swift Current) and West Central Crossroads (Kindersley). Local interest magazines include Prairies North and The Gardener.

37 Tourism, Travel, and Recreation

Named after Queen Victoria (Victoria Regina), the capital is the site of Wascana Centre, one of the world's largest urban parks. Regina also has Buffalo Days, a week-long provincial exposition and summer fair. Festivals in Saskatoon include Folkfest (an ethnic heritage event), Winter Festival, and the Northern Saskatchewan International Children's Festival. Authentic powwows at Indian reservations, although not tourist events as such, are a cultural highlight of Saskatchewan in the summer.

Saskatchewan is home to two national parks and 26 provincial parks. There are more than 250 golf courses in Saskatchewan. Tourism is a c$1 billion-a-year industry in Saskatchewan, and more than 50,000 people are employed in tourism-related jobs.

38 Sports

The Saskatoon Blades, Regina Pats, Moose Jaw Warriors, Prince Albert Raiders, and Swift Current Broncos are all a part of the Western Hockey League, a development league affiliated with the National Hockey League. There are 12 teams in the Saskatchewan Junior Hockey League, a division of the Canadian Junior A Hockey League. The Saskatchewan Prairie Ice, based in Saskatoon, is part of the Western Division of the National Women's Hockey League. Saskatoon was also home of the Saskatchewan Storm of the World Basketball League until the league disbanded in 1992. Regina hosts the Saskatchewan Roughriders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). The Roughriders are the oldest professional football team in North America and were the CFL champions in 1966 and 1989. The University of Saskatchewan Huskie football team won the national championship in 1990.

The Saskatchewan Games, established in 1972, is a province-wide amateur contest with alternating summer and winter games held every two years. Curling in one of the most popular sports in the province and was adopted as the official sport of the province in 2001. Curling is a game imported from Scotland in which large rounded stones with attached handles are slid down an ice-covered playing area toward a circular target. The Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and Museum is located in Regina.

39 Famous Saskatchewaners

Almighty Voice (1874–1897) was a famous hero/outlaw and martyr who led a Cree Indian band resisting European settlement on the Saskatchewan prairie. T. C. "Tommy" Douglas (1904–1986) was a famous political figure who led the Co-operative Commonwealth Federation (CCF) to victory in the 1940s, thus establishing the first socialist government in North America. Gerhard Herzberg (1904–1999), recipient of the 1971 Nobel Prize in chemistry, was a professor at the University of Saskatchewan from 1935 to 1945.

Noted Saskatchewaners in entertainment include emcee and producer Art Linkletter (b.1912) and actor Leslie Nielsen (b.1926), and singer and songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie (b.1941). Folk singer and songwriter Joni Mitchell (b.1943) grew up in Saskatoon. Distinguished Saskatchewan authors include novelists W. O. Mitchell (1914–1998), Rudy Wiebe (b.1934), L. R. Wright (1939–2001), and short story writer Guy Vanderhaeghe (b.1951).

Hockey legends from Saskatchewan include Eddie Shore (1902–1985), Emile Francis (b.1926), Gordon "Gordie" Howe (b.1928), Glenn "Chico" Resch (b.1948), and Bryan Trottier (b.1956). Sandra Schmirler (1963–2000) led the curling team that won the first-ever Olympic gold medal in women's curling at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan.

40 Bibliography

BOOKS

Caswell, Maryanne. Pioneer Girl: Maryanne Caswell. Plattsburgh, NY: Tundra Books, 2001.

LeVert, Suzanne. Saskatchewan. Philadelphia: Chelsea House, 2001.

Mayell, Mark. Saskatchewan. San Diego: Lucent Books/Thomson Gale, 2003.

Richardson, Gillian. Saskatchewan. Minneapolis: Lerner Publications, 1995.

Walsh, Kieran. Canada. Vero Beach, FL: Rourke Publishing Co., 2005.

WEB SITES

Canada Tourism Commission. Canada. www.canadatourism.com/ctx/app (accessed on March 28, 2007).

Government of Saskatchewan. www.gov.sk.ca (accessed on March 28, 2007).

Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food, and Rural Revitalization. www.agr.gov.sk.ca (accessed on March 28, 2007).

Saskatchewan Tourism. www.sasktourism.com (accessed on March 28, 2007).

Statistics Canada. www.statcan.ca/english (accessed on March 28, 2007).