BUILDING CAPACITY TO ATTACK CLIMATE CHANGE

The Government of Saskatchewan is investing more than $2 million dollars over the next four years with the University of Regina and through the Prairie Adaptation Research Collaborative (PARC) as part of the province's commitment to attack climate change.

This investment is part of the province's Green Strategy and the Saskatchewan Energy and Climate Change Plan.

"The research that PARC will undertake will help us prepare for and adapt to the effects of climate change and continue to advance Saskatchewan as a leader in environmental protection and the green economy," Environment Minister John Nilson said.

Climate change experts are predicting warmer and drier conditions for Saskatchewan which may impact the provincial economy. The funding will be used to build understanding and capacity to address climate change in key sectors of the province including water resources, ecosystems, forestry, agriculture and energy, in addition to improved adaptation practices for those sectors.

"This funding is building valuable partnerships between PARC, the federal government, various provinces and a number of economic sectors to help reduce the negative impact of climate change," Industry and Resources Minister Maynard Sonntag said. "It also allows Saskatchewan to take advantage of economic opportunities that may be identified."

"This renewal of our partnership with the Government of Saskatchewan provides us with the resources we need over the next four years to research climate impacts and to provide adaptation options to lower climate risks and take advantage of new climate opportunities," PARC at the University of Regina Executive Director Dr. Norm Henderson said.

PARC originated as a co-operative venture among the Government's of Canada, Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba. Saskatchewan is the largest contributor to the collaborative while PARC continues to receive funding support from the other jurisdictions.

-30-
For more information, contact:

Traci Braaten
Environment
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1611
Email: traci.braaten@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-536-3852

Greg Urbanoski
Industry and Resources
Regina
Phone: 306-787-1691