Take Your Student Debt to Saskatchewan

Hey, unemployed university grads stressed out by debt. Let's connect some dots...

Dot 1. Little item in the news today (Nov 29, 2011) says:

Germany’s K+S AG, Europe’s largest potash producer, is moving ahead with construction of the $3.2-billion Legacy project in Saskatchewan – the first potash mine to be built in the province in 40 years.

Dot 2. Mining firms are ramping up their investments into potash as demand for this key fertilizer ingredient is expected to grow due to the world's expanding population. Potash prices recently surged near $500 US per tonne.

Dot 3. Even before the news above, the Conference Board of Canada predicted that Saskatchewan will lead the country in economic growth in 2012, just as it led in 2011. It forecasted a gain for Saskatchewan of up to 3.9 per cent in real Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Dot 4. This was the headline for Saskatchewan in last month's Payroll News:

Strong Employment Numbers: 4,900 More Jobs, 13,800 More Full-time Jobs, Lowest Unemployment Rate In Canada. Saskatchewan's unemployment rate was 4.6%, continued the report. This is "the lowest in Canada for the seventh consecutive month, and well below the national average of 7.1 per cent."

Dot 5. Saskatchewan needs educated workers so much for this growing economy that they will essentially help pay off their student loan debt. The Graduate Retention Program (GRP) rebates students up to $20,000 of tuition paid by eligible graduates who remain in - or move to Saskatchewan - and file a Saskatchewan income tax return.

For more info, check out our Q + A on Saskatchewan student aid programs. You can also see this provincial government link for details.

Then do some serious thinking about life on the prairies...

Cheaper housing too! Look at that guy who bought a house in Kipling, Saskatchewan with one good idea and a red paper clip!