As the price of oil hovers below $30 U.S. a barrel and the Canadian dollar dips below 70 U.S. cents, many Saskatchewan residents are worried about the direction of the province's economy.

Premier Brad Wall acknowledges that the slumping price of oil is hurting many families.

"We have people around the province who have either been laid off or their contracts have been cancelled. First and foremost we have to recognize that, it's why we believe that now is not the time for any new taxes on the economy and why were continuing to invest in infrastructure because we need the infrastructure number one, and number two, there's a bit of stimulus there and there's economic opportunity for people especially if they have a bit of cross training to join another sector."

Premier Wall says he's optimistic for the province's economy, saying it's more resilient and diversified than ever before, "I'm pretty hopeful that we're gonna get through this, I think people should be hopeful all the reasons that Saskatchewan been an economic leader are still there."

He points to recent modest job growth in full-time jobs along with continued demand for Saskatchewan's food, fuel and fertilizer.

The economy is expected to be the main concern for Saskatchewan residents as they head to the polls on April 4th.