NEW ENTERPRISE REGIONS CELEBRATED

The Government of Saskatchewan celebrated the launch of three new Enterprise Regions (ERs) in northern Saskatchewan today. For the past several months, community and business minded people from throughout the north have been working with the Government of Saskatchewan to establish these new entities to capitalize on growth opportunities in northern Saskatchewan.

"This is an exciting time for northern Saskatchewan's economy and I thank northern leaders for their important role in creating this new economic development strategy," First Nations and Métis Relations Minister Bill Hutchinson said. "With a focus on increasing business and industry competitiveness, we are confident all stakeholders in the regions will be able to realize more of their economic potential under this new program while at the same time positively impacting social pressures experienced in the north."

The three Enterprise Regions have recently formed a Northern Competitiveness Council (NCC) which includes representation from all three Enterprise Regions and the Ministry of First Nations and Métis Relations. The NCC will collectively address northern issues and advance opportunities that cut across all northern regions.

The Government of Saskatchewan committed $1.1 million to the Enterprise Regions in the north, along with $300,000 to develop tools and training initiatives to support their efforts. The three Enterprise Regions are: Athabasca Enterprise Region Corp., representing the Athabasca Basin area; Boreal West Enterprise Region Inc., representing the west side area; and, Churchill River Enterprise Region Inc., representing the east and central areas.

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
First Nations and Métis Relations
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5701
Email: Bonny.Braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-530-2237