Saskatoon's economy has fluctuated dramatically throughout its history because of its close association with agriculture, which can be unstable. In the 1990s Saskatoon became a major agricultural biotechnology center. Agricultural biotechnology is based on an applied science that involves the genetic engineering of plants. Much of this activity takes place in the university's Innovation Park, where almost 30 companies and hundreds of scientists operate. The city also has a modest food processing industry, notably Cargill Ltd., a large canola crushing plant, and some metal fabrication and manufacturing companies such as Hitachi Canadian Industries. The University of Saskatchewan plays a major economic role in the city. It has more than 15,000 full-time students and over 7,000 part-time students.
Saskatoon's transportation network includes the John Diefenbaker Airport, both Canadian national railroads, and extensive bus service. The city is becoming a significant convention destination, partly because of its relatively low cost of living, which is estimated to be about 25 percent below the national average. The low cost of living is reflected in lower food and hotel costs, an attraction for conventions.Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001
http://encarta.msn.com © 1997-2001 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. Saskatoon Information info
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