Ask the provincial government and they'll tell you Saskatchewan's economy stayed strong throughout 2009. They'll also tell you our province is expected to lead the nation in 2010.

Despite a worldwide recession, Enterprise and Trade Minister Ken Cheveldayoff says the province did relatively well.

"We are not immune from the economic downturn but we came through the recession very well compared to other provinces. We have a new record population, the lowest unemployment rate in Canada and Saskatchewan is forecast to start the next decade with the strongest economic growth record in the country".

"Basically we are firing on all cylinders with the exception of potash and we understand the nature of commodities and the cyclical cycle. But 2010 for the potash industry is expected to be a good year as well".

Cheveldayoff says Saskatchewan's economy is projected to grow by 2.9 per cent in 2010, according to the average of nine leading economic forecasters.