GOVERNMENT BUSINESS SERVICES WIN UNITED NATIONS AWARD

The Honourable Dr. Rey D. Pagtakhan, Minister of Western Economic Diversification, today acknowledged the contribution of the Network of Canada Business Service Centres, recipient of the 2004 United Nations Public Service Award in the category of "Improvement of Public Service Results".

"Canada Business Service Centres in the West are important members of our Western Canada Business Service Network," Minister Pagtakhan said. "They reduce the complexity of dealing with various levels of government by serving as a central resource for western Canadian business information, advice and services. I congratulate them on this tremendous accomplishment."

"The Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre (CSBSC) in Saskatoon has an impressive record of 'single window' information service to entrepreneurs and potential entrepreneurs in our province," Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "The Centre is a federal-provincial partnership that marshals public sector resources to meet business information needs, and this international award speaks volumes about its success."

"Your outstanding achievement demonstrated excellence in serving the public interest," noted Guido Bertucci, Director of the Division for Public Administration and Development Management, United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs. "I am sure it has made a significant contribution to the improvement of public administration in your country, and will be an encouragement for others working for the public service."

Western Economic Diversification Canada provides core funding to Canada Business Service Centres in western Canada, as well as to other partners in its Western Canada Business Service Network: Community Futures Development Corporations, Francophone Economic Development Organizations and the Women's Enterprise Initiative. With over 100 points of service throughout the West, network partners provide new and emerging entrepreneurs with the services and information they need to establish a business or make it grow. Services range from marketing information and funding options, to counselling and support.

Saskatchewan Industry and Resources is the provincial managing partner in the Saskatoon-based CSBSC. Over the last 10 years the CSBSC has handled hundreds of thousands of inquiries through its Saskatoon office, through its telecentre and interactive web services, through various trade show promotions and through 16 regional access partnerships that it has established throughout Saskatchewan.

The UN Public Service Awards program was instituted to enhance the role, professionalism and visibility of public service and to draw attention to best practices. There are ten recipients world-wide. Canada was one of two in the geographic region covering Europe and North America.

The award ceremony will take place on United Nations Public Service Day, June 23rd, 2004, at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

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For More Information, Contact:

Louise Hayes, Director of Communications Office of the Minister of Western Economic Diversi Ottawa Phone: (613) 952-0675	Bob Ellis Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-8277
Diana Matsuda, Manager Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Centre Saskatoon Phone: (306) 956-2312