INNOVATION SASKATCHEWAN BOARD MEMBERS ANNOUNCED

Innovation Saskatchewan has its first board of directors. The board will lead the new agency's work of co-ordinating government support for research, development and commercialization of innovation in the province.

Energy and Resources Minister Bill Boyd will chair the board as Minister responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan. Advanced Education, Employment and Labour Minister Rob Norris will serve as vice-chair. Other board members include:

• Pam Schwann, Executive Director of the Saskatchewan Mining Association;
• Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Dean of Engineering, University of Saskatchewan;
• Daniel Halyk, President and CEO of Total Energy Services Ltd.;
• Dr. Laurier Schramm, President and CEO of the Saskatchewan Research Council; and
• Dr. Paitoon Tontiwachwuthikul, Dean of Engineering, University of Regina.

"Innovation is the lifeblood of successful, leading-edge economies and I'm excited by the group we now have in place to help guide and advance Saskatchewan's innovation agenda," Boyd said.

The Innovation Saskatchewan Act was proclaimed on November 2, establishing Innovation Saskatchewan. The new agency will act as a coordinating body around the government's support for research and development and science and technology. It will help encourage the development and commercialization of new ideas, products and processes to ensure the long-term sustainable growth of Saskatchewan's economy.

The new board will now move to appoint a Chief Executive Officer for the agency. A small group of employees from Enterprise Saskatchewan will be moved over to staff Innovation Saskatchewan.

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For more information, contact:

Bob Ellis
Energy and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691
Email: robert.ellis@gov.sk.ca