Saskatchewan workers have greater spending power than they did a year ago.

According to Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings for June 2010 increased 4.6 per cent over the same month last year. This compares to a 0.3 per cent increase in Saskatchewan's Consumer Price Index over the same period.

After taking inflation into account, June's year-over-year "real earnings" increase of 4.3 per cent was 358 per cent higher than the June 2009 increase of 1.2 per cent.

"This is an example of how our economic strength is directly benefiting Saskatchewan people," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said, on behalf of Advanced Education, Employment and Immigration Minister Rob Norris.

"On average, Saskatchewan wage earners are in a better position than they were last year - and that increased spending power is, in return, good for our economy."

Saskatchewan's average weekly earnings of $838.90 were the fourth highest in Canada, behind only Alberta ($1,003.53), Ontario ($878.76), and Newfoundland and Labrador ($844.67).

"Saskatchewan continues to see strong economic indicators," Cheveldayoff said. "With a record population, record employment in each of the past six months and the lowest unemployment rate in Canada, Saskatchewan remains the place to be in Canada to live and work."