SASKATCHEWAN CLEAN ENERGY RESEARCH TO BE PROMOTED AT REGIONAL ECONOMIC SUMMIT

Saskatchewan will share its innovation agenda on clean energy research and development and promote open borders at a meeting this week of North American legislators.

Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff and MLA Michael Chisholm are leading the Saskatchewan delegation at the Pacific North West Economic Region (PNWER) Annual Summit, Addressing Global Challenges-Northwest Imperatives for the Future, July 12 through 16 in Boise, Idaho.

"Saskatchewan continues to pursue American collaboration and joint initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint," Cheveldayoff said. "The PNWER Annual Summit provides a forum to highlight Saskatchewan's leadership in clean energy technologies and engage in clean energy dialogue with our largest trading partner, the United States."

At the summit, Cheveldayoff and his government colleagues are discussing other shared energy issues and opportunities; the importance of reducing trade barriers and enhancing North American competitiveness; and the need for an open border, vital to Saskatchewan's trading relationship with the United States. Cheveldayoff will take part in a panel on trade and economic development on July 13.

International exports represent approximately half of the Saskatchewan's gross domestic product, valued at $64 billion in 2008. In that same year, 63 per cent of Saskatchewan's exports went to the United States, underscoring the importance of trade between our province and the U.S., and the subsequent economic benefits for all Saskatchewan people.

PNWER is a Canada-US forum of elected officials and private sector leaders from various states and provinces in the Pacific Northwest region, which provides an opportunity to address economic development, energy, trade, tourism, health and other social policy issues to the benefit of the region.

Saskatchewan will host PNWER's Legislative Academy and Economic Leadership Forum in Regina November 4 to 7, 2009, emphasizing Saskatchewan's strong economic position and innovation agenda.

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For more information, contact:

Tyler McMurchy
Intergovernmental Affairs
Regina
Phone: 306-787-5193
Cell: (306) 537-7051