Continued development

While much of Saskatchewan's improved financial outlook over the past year-plus relates directly to oil and gas prices, word comes out that those aren't the only industries prospering in the province:

Potash production surpassed 16 million tonnes last year, beating the previous year's record by five per cent.

The value of potash sales also peaked at a record $2.7 billion -- a 26 per cent increase over 2004...

The province made significant changes to potash taxes starting in 2003 to encourage more sales and investment.

They say the changes encouraged the industry to invest an extra $600 million to expand potash mines.

It's especially impressive that the potash industry has been able to get that much mileage out of its new investments despite having to compete with oil and gas over a limited supply of construction workers. Both the tax incentives and the investment have been money well spent so far - and the added economic activity will be all the more important for the province if oil prices don't stay at their current levels.