CLINE ADDRESSES CANADIAN STEEL PARTNERSHIP COUNCIL IN OTTAWA

Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline today stressed the importance of the steel industry to Saskatchewan at an Ottawa meeting of the Canadian Steel Partnership Council.

The Council, which includes representatives from other provinces, the federal government, the steel industry and labour and education was created last year. Its mandate is to increase the strength of Canada's steel industry.

"Saskatchewan is home to IPSCO, one of North America's leading steel and pipe producers and we have the largest steel fabrication industry west of southern Ontario," Cline said. "It is important that we work with other governments and industry to create the best conditions for the growth of this industry, which employs over 4,000 Saskatchewan people."

The Council has created working groups to advise on best practices in the areas of international trends, natural resources and the environment, investment and access to capital, labour supply, and innovation and market development.

Saskatchewan will continue to participate in the Council, and will seek to implement consensus recommendations to support industrial growth as recommendations are developed over time.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691