NEW DEPARTMENT EMPHASIZES RURAL FOCUS

Premier Lorne Calvert announced the creation of a new department today - a move designed to promote increased rural economic growth in Saskatchewan.

Calvert said the new Department of Rural Development will consolidate a number of existing government services into a single entity to better serve rural residents.

"The vision, principles, goals and priorities of our rural strategy establish the pathway for successful and sustainable rural development," Calvert said. "When we released our rural strategy, my government committed itself to create an environment that encourages development to take place. The new department of Rural Development is part of our plan to build a green and prosperous economy."

Calvert appointed Deputy Premier Clay Serby as Minister of the new department. Effective April 1st 2005, Dr. Louise Greenberg will lead the new department as Deputy Minister. Both individuals have worked closely with the Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE), a group of 43 rural stakeholders tasked with developing new ways to help capture economic opportunities in rural Saskatchewan.

"ACRE asked government to create an organization able to champion rural issues and initiatives," Serby said. "The Department of Rural Development is our response to that request."

The new department will bring together several key rural programs and services contained within the Rural Issues Office of Saskatchewan Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization and the Business and Co-operative Services Branch of Saskatchewan Industry and Resources.

These include:

· Responsibility for the Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE);

· Analysis and development of rural economic policies;

· Small Business Loans Association Program;

· Responsibility for Regional Economic Development Authorities (REDAs) with the exception of Regina and Saskatoon; and

· The Co-operative Development Assistance Program

The changes come into effect on April 1st, 2005.

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