POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION ACCESSIBILITY AND AFFORDABILITY REVIEW ENTERS SECOND STAGE

Saskatchewan people are invited to provide input into the review of accessibility and affordability of post-secondary education. The review was announced by Premier Lorne Calvert in May, and is led by Corrections and Public Safety Minister Warren McCall.

"Our government is committed to providing people with access to the education and training required to become part of the workforce in Saskatchewan and to grow their careers here at home," McCall said. "Everyone will benefit by building a stronger education and training system, which will provide opportunity for more people to live, work and raise a family in Saskatchewan."

The first step in the review process included a thorough assessment of existing Canadian literature on the subject, which was completed by the Saskatchewan Institute of Public Policy. The next step is to engage the public in discussions through consultations that will be held throughout the province. Saskatchewan people will also have an opportunity to make submissions to the review. An interim report to the Premier will be ready by the end of January. It will be based on input received through the Review web site, directly to SIPP and in one of the ten regional consultations hearings, three consensus forums and one stakeholder forum.

The submission deadline for those who wish to make a formal presentation at one of the regional consultations is November 3rd. For those not making a formal presentation, submissions will be accepted and considered for the interim report if submitted by December 18th.

Consultation Hearings:

Regina - Nov. 3rd, 2006

Saskatoon – Nov. 17th, 2006

Prince Albert – Nov. 24th, 2006

Lloydminster – Dec. 1st, 2006

La Ronge – Dec. 8th, 2006

Yorkton - Dec 11th, 2006

Moose Jaw - Dec. 13th, 2006

Weyburn - Dec. 14th, 2006

First Nations University of Canada (Regina campus) - Dec. 15th, 2006

Swift Current - Dec. 18th, 2006

Consensus Forums:

Prince Albert – Jan. 5th, 2007

Saskatoon Jan. 8th, 2007

Regina – Jan. 10th, 2007

Stakeholder Forums:

Saskatoon - January 9th, 2007

The summary report of the literature review is available on the Review web site at www.aee.gov.sk.ca/aar/index.shtml.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Kevin O'Fee Saskatchewan Institute for Public Policy Regina Phone: (306) 585-5889 Email: ofeeke@uregina.ca

Terry White Advanced Education and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-7791 Email: twhite@sasked.gov.sk.ca