PROVINCE SIGNS NEW THREE-YEAR FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH SARC

The provincial government has entered into a new three-year agreement with the Saskatchewan Association of Rehabilitation Centre (SARC) for the delivery of the province-wide beverage container collection and recycling program.

The program is managed and operated by SARCAN Recycling, a division of SARC.

The new contract, which comes into effect April 1st, 2006 provides an additional $700,000 per year over three years. The contract provides a stable and predictable funding mechanism to support SARCAN operations and promotes the Government of Saskatchewan's commitment to the beverage container recycling and collection program.

"The establishment of a new funding formula, using an increased percentage of the Environmental Handling Charges collected, will ensure that the important work SARCAN does for the environment and for people with disabilities continues into the future," Environment Minister John Nilson said. "This new three-year contract is good for the environment by reducing waste going into landfills and good for the economy by creating recycling opportunities and jobs."

"The signing of this contract exemplifies the true partnership that exists between SARC and the Government of Saskatchewan toward a green and prosperous economy," SARC President Dawn Desautel said. "Financial sustainability and increased employment opportunities will assist SARC in achieving our vision of persons with disabilities enjoying full citizenship."

SARCAN provides significant work and long-term income security for persons with disabilities. SARCAN employs more than 480 people, more than 80 per cent of whom are persons with disabilities or persons who had previously been on social assistance. As a result, the estimated annual reduction of government social assistance is over $2.5 million.

SARCAN recycled its three billionth container in August 2005, equivalent to more than 137,000 tonnes of materials diverted from Saskatchewan landfills. Overall recovery rates for all non-refillable, designated beverage containers through the SARCAN recycling system in 2004-05 was 87 per cent.

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For More Information, Contact:

Traci Braaten Environment Regina Phone: (306) 787-1611 Cell: (306) 536-3852