PROVINCE TO HOST FALL CBO SUMMIT

Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer and Legislative Secretary Greg Ottenbreit will be hosting a series of one day summits titled "Putting Our Clients First: Investing in Our Future."

The regional summits, which are another election promise kept, will bring together Community Based Organizations (CBOs) to consult on ways to strengthen the collaborative relationship between CBOs and the provincial government. The dates are:

September 15, 2008 - Saskatoon - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 16, 2008 - Regina - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 22, 2008 - North Battleford - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 23, 2008 - Prince Albert - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
September 25, 2008 - Yorkton - 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

"We are committed to ensuring that all citizens benefit from the growth of our province," Harpauer said. "We know that we cannot fully achieve that goal without the valuable services and support provided by CBOs. We are interested in strengthening the collaborative relationship to develop solutions, share successful practises and review current policies to assist in building stronger communities."

"These locations have been selected to facilitate attendance by Saskatchewan's geographically diverse CBOs," Ottenbreit said. "Participants in the ‘Putting Clients First: Investing in Our Future' summit will have the flexibility to identify and discuss those issues and challenges important to them in the delivery of services to their clients. The summit process will consist of facilitated, cross discipline, small group discussions."

Invitations will go out this week to about 700 human services CBOs funded by the provincial government. Registration forms are available on-line at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/cbosummit.

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For more information, contact:

Rosann Semchuk
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0980
Email: rosann.semchuk@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-529-1601