PROVINCE CONTINUES TO SUPPORT COMMERCIAL FISHING INDUSTRY

The Saskatchewan government has renewed its commitment to the province's commercial fishing industry.

Under a three-year agreement with Saskatchewan Co-operative Fisheries Ltd. (SCFL), the province will provide the co-operative with $50,000 for each of the next three years. The annual grant will be used to help fund the business operations of the co-operative. It will also enable SCFL to assist Saskatchewan Environment in maintaining sustainable allocations of the fishery resource and to act as a liaison between the nearly 30 local commercial fishing co-ops and the department.

"Saskatchewan Co-operative Fisheries Limited represents the business interests of the province's 700 commercial fishers," Environment Minister David Forbes said. "We are pleased to be working closely with the people in the commercial industry. Our joint commitment to continue revitalizing the industry and to co-operatively manage the resource is a great way to mark our Centennial year."

SCFL will also receive a grant of $20,000 from the Northern Development Fund – a loan and grant business development program administered by Saskatchewan Northern Affairs.

"We have been working closely with the SCFL to achieve value-added production in the province's commercial fishing industry through establishment of a fish processing plant in the province," Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "The grant will assist SCFL to undertake further development of their business plan."

Government support for the commercial fishing industry was announced at the commercial fishers' annual conference and general meeting, being held this week in Prince Albert.

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For More Information, Contact:

Everett Dorma Environment Regina Phone: 787-6127

Brian Cousins Northern Affairs Regina Phone: 787-5061