Saskatchewan
Saskatchewan's 1.2M residents produce 40% of global potash reserves plus world-class uranium and agricultural exports vulnerable to commodity price volatility.
Saskatchewan produces agricultural and mineral commodities at scales that belie its modest population of 1.2 million. The province ranks among the world's largest exporters of potash (used for fertilizer), uranium, canola, wheat, and lentils. This commodity concentration creates prosperity when prices rise but exposes the economy to global market volatility beyond provincial control.
Potash represents particular concentration. Saskatchewan contains roughly 40% of global reserves; the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan (now Nutrien after 2018 merger) and other producers supply fertilizer to agricultural regions worldwide. Uranium mining at locations like McArthur River (world's highest-grade deposit) and Cigar Lake provides nuclear fuel to generating stations globally. Oil production—second only to Alberta—adds hydrocarbon revenues, though at smaller scale.
Agricultural mechanization created the current pattern: vast farms with few workers, grain handling infrastructure connecting prairies to Pacific and eastern ports. Climate change creates both threat (increased drought frequency) and opportunity (longer growing seasons, new crop possibilities). The province's economic challenge is translating resource revenues into diversification that outlasts commodity cycles and eventual resource depletion.