Prairie cities, supported by the wealth of natural resources in their provinces, will see economic growth this year that easily outpaces most other places in Canada, according to a report released Tuesday.
The Conference Board of Canada said Saskatoon would lead the country with growth of 3.6% this year. Elsewhere in Saskatchewan, a province with booming potash and oil industries, Regina should see growth of 2.7%, the report said.
"Saskatchewan’s mining sector continues to forge ahead, with expansion of 5.8% and 7.7% forecast this year and next," the Conference Board said.
In Alberta, home of the oilsands, Calgary is expected to see growth of 3.5%, and Edmonton 3.2%.
With federal government cuts expected to be detailed in this week’s budget, Ottawa-Gatineau is forecast by the Conference Board to see economic growth of just 1.6% this year.
Toronto’s expected to see growth of 2.3%, Montreal 1.7%, Vancouver 2.5%, Victoria 1.6% and Winnipeg 2.4%.
All that compares to the board’s forecast of national economic growth this year of 2.1%.
