ACRE ISSUES DRAFT RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RURAL SASKATCHEWAN

The Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) today unveiled its latest batch of recommendations designed to spur economic development in rural Saskatchewan.

The group will take its 36 draft recommendations on Infrastructure, Crown Land, Employment and Business Development out to rural residents in early December for public consultation. ACRE Co-Chair Audrey Horkoff said the recommendations are sure to generate some discussion.

"If we are going to capture the economic opportunities available in rural Saskatchewan, we need to make some choices," Horkoff said. "The work of our subcommittees suggests that we need to consider the ownership and use of Crown land, as well as the development of a government strategy that supports infrastructure in a defined number of regional centres."

Other recommendations focus on simplifying government business support programs, providing new or expanding businesses with greater access to capital, and improving the labour-business climate in Saskatchewan. The group also identified several education and training needs.

"Our subcommittees believe that the training system for our labour force needs to place a greater emphasis on trades," Horkoff said. "These are among the jobs that will keep our young people at home in Saskatchewan. We also believe that rural areas can capture more opportunities when several communities – including Aboriginal communities – enter into partnerships."

Horkoff said the December meetings will give rural residents an opportunity to review these recommendations and participate in the discussion before ACRE finalizes them in the New Year. ACRE is scheduled to present its final recommendations to the Government of Saskatchewan in March 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Audrey Horkoff ACRE Kamsack Phone: (306)542-4472

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-4031