“Sask. economy tops list,” proclaims a headline in this week’s Western Producer. “Saskatchewan economic profile, forecast reflects lead in country,” says the Canada West Foundation. “Rural resurgence,” proclaims the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.
There’s a preponderance of good news about Saskatchewan’s economy of late. It’s a pleasant though unfamiliar experience for those who live in the province – and also for those who don’t.
But let’s all try to get used to it.
Yes, it’s time for the Flatlanders and the Gappers (residents of the land between Alberta and Manitoba) to embrace their identity. It’s time to enjoy the fact that the province is easy to draw but hard to spell. It’s time to revisit and celebrate those Saskatchewan jokes, freely available on the internet and from your Alberta friends, in the context of the province’s burgeoning boom.
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You know you’re from Saskatchewan when …
… losing sight of the horizon, even for a few seconds, leaves you feeling disoriented. (It’s good to see the horizon, the better to view the economic boom as it approaches.)
… your pronunciation of the province’s name is down to two syllables: Skatchw’n. (Similar to the way Albertans pronounce Calgary as two syllables: Calgry.)
… every year you believe this will be the year for the Roughriders, and you’re surprised when it isn’t. (But 2007 WAS the year for the Roughies, and only 18 years since the last Grey Cup win!)
… you actually understand and can describe in detail the necessity for geographical correction lines. (Which makes it easier to give directions to visitors and Saskatchewan ex-pats.)
… you’ve frozen part of yourself to something else. (OK, the weather isn’t going to change, but if you’re tough enough to survive it, you can stay.)
… you’ve never thrown away a five-gallon bucket. (You mean some people do?)
… directions to your house include the phrase “turn off the paved road.” (It could be awhile before this changes, but the government has announced major road work.)
… Americans give you a funny look when you say the name of your province. (They’ll know how to pronounce it soon, as mining, oil, gas and agricultural exports expand.)
And here’s our favourite old saw about Saskatchewan folks:
… while cleaning out your son’s closet, you find a three-foot-high stack of Western Producers. (We hope that never changes. And if you want to read about Saskatchewan’s new prosperity and all manner of agricultural activities in Western Canada, you can find it in these pages.)
