VOLUNTARY ORGANIZATIONS AND GOVERNMENT TO STRENGTHEN COLLABORATION

Voluntary sector organizations and government officials jointly committed to actions that will strengthen the collaboration between the voluntary sector and the provincial government.

The Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative hosted representatives of about 150 volunteer organizations and departments of government at the forum held this past weekend in Saskatoon.

"The actions we take as a result of this forum will further strengthen the sector to sector relationship between government and the voluntary sector," Legislative Secretary and Chair of the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative Doreen Hamilton said. "This is another step in gathering information on a final report to the Premier who requested a human living legacy for Saskatchewan's centennial in 2005."

Forum participants agreed that an ongoing mechanism to meet, discuss issues and share information to strengthen their relationships, build trust and establish common goals should be developed.

"This forum was an excellent first step as we to continue to work together on developing a common understanding of the issues and objectives for a vibrant voluntary sector in Saskatchewan," Hamilton said. "One of forum highlights included a discussion of First Nations and Métis involvement in the voluntary sector.

"This forum was a great opportunity to share ideas of mutual interest and importance for volunteer organizations and government," Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative Vice-Chair Tracey Mann said. "We are looking forward to moving ahead to meet some of the goals we discussed."

Participants also acknowledged the strong leadership of the Legislative Secretary Doreen Hamilton and the value of the work already done by the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative on the Framework for Partnership and the Inventory of Government of Saskatchewan Interaction with the Voluntary Sector. These documents can be accessed through Culture, Youth and Recreation's website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca.

The Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative, established in 2002, works to strengthen the relationship between government and Saskatchewan's voluntary sector to assist volunteer organizations in effectively fulfilling their mandates.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967