COMMUNITY REFERENCE PANELS TO EXPAND IN THE NORTH

Up to three new Community Reference Panels will be established in northern communities later this fall by the Northern Services Working Group.

Community Reference Panels are a unique collaboration of community based organizations, service recipients of the Department of Community Resources and Employment, and other community stakeholders. The panels provide advice to the Department of Community Resources and Employment, other government departments, and local service providers. They are also a support to community development, providing a forum for the exchange of information and planning around integrated human services at a local level.

The application process for the new Community Reference Panels is underway with selection slated for September 2003.

"Community Reference Panels provide a forum to advise the Department on social development issues," Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel said during a visit to La Ronge. "They help ensure that programs offered in the north address the unique geographical and cultural differences in northern Saskatchewan."

The Northern Services Working Group represents provincial government, northern residents (New North), and the Northern Human Services Partnership, an intersectoral group comprised of 22 stakeholders in northern Saskatchewan.

"Expansion of Community Reference Panels in the north is the result of sharing and collaboration with New North, Community Resources and Employment, and the Northern Human Services Partnership," New North CEO Al Loke said. "We've done a lot of work to establish a means for ensuring that social programs in the north meet the needs of the people they serve."

New North has been successful in acquiring funding to support the expansion of panels in the north. The Northern Human Services Partnership has committed new funding to assist in the expansion.

Two panels initiated as pilot projects in Beauval and Cumberland House in 2000 will continue to receive support. These panels have shown effectiveness in producing positive client and community outcomes, reducing dependency on department programs, and identifying and developing alternate resources in the community.

The work of the panels has been consistent with the province's strategic goals of Building Independence through economic independence and self-reliance, ultimately benefiting all Saskatchewan people.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Janet Miller Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0531

Al Loke CEO, New North La Ronge Phone: (306)425-8800