Labour demand is expected to remain reasonably firm through this year, resulting in an average annual employment gain of 1.3 per cent into 2011.
Crude oil production in 2010 is expected to remain steady for the next few years, as improved drilling technology has helped offset natural depletion by increasing recovery rates from existing wells. The Bakken light oil play in southeastern Saskatchewan continues to attract industry interest.
Potash production will pick up in 2011, as farmers are forced to replenish stocks after forgoing purchases last year, demand ramps up in China and relatively high crop prices encourage further planting. Long-term plans still have the industry nearly doubling capacity by 2015, Scotiabank suggests.
from Western Investor, January 2011
