WESTERN PROVINCES TO JOIN FORCES ON WATER RESOURCE & CONSERVATION INITIATIVE

Wall also Presses for Crop Science Research in Response to Climate Change Adaptation

Saskatchewan, BC, Alberta and Manitoba will co-operate to advance a western Canadian water resource and conservation plan as a part of climate change adaptation.

Premier Brad Wall also called on his fellow premiers and territorial leaders to support an expanded national effort in the area of crop science research, as Canada continues to experience the effects of climate change.

Wall made the case at the Council of the Federation Adaptation Forum on climate change in Vancouver today.

"Saskatchewan has historically led in crop science research, and with national support we need again to lead in this area in the future," Wall said. "Our growing season is now three weeks longer than it was in the 1960's, temperatures are warmer, and we need to invest in crop science, and I am calling for a truly national effort in support of this research focus."

In the forestry sector, Saskatchewan endorsed calls for a national strategy on climate change adaptation including managing research on the spread of the mountain pine beetle.

Wall reiterated Saskatchewan's willingness to lead on the important issue of biofuels infrastructure and pursuing the development of the E-85 highway.

"Saskatchewan will provide leadership on the biofuels infrastructure issue to the Council of the Federation," Wall said. "We must increase access to these cleaner, greener fuels right across Canada."

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For more information, contact:

Bonny Braden
Media Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0906
Email: bonny.braden@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-541-7068