WESTERN COMPETITIVENESS STUDY RELEASED

An independent study on competitiveness in the west was released today by western premiers.

Playing for Keeps: Boosting Western Canada's Economic Competitiveness in the Post-Recession World was prepared by the Canada West Foundation and is now available at www.cwf.ca.

The study was commissioned last year by the Saskatchewan government as chair of the 2008 Western Premiers' Conference. The Yukon government currently serves as chair and hosted the 2009 Western Premiers' Conference.

Building on the steps western provinces and territories have already taken to enhance competitiveness, the study's recommendations include improvements to tax rates, infrastructure investments and a skilled and educated work force.

It delivers 37 recommendations grouped into three categories:

• Strengthening Western Canada's Competitive Foundation
• Creating a Platform for Competitive Success
• Building Up: Increasing Economic Diversification

Premiers noted that the study is a useful tool for western jurisdictions to assess and use in their efforts to improve economic competitiveness and regional collaboration.

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For more information, contact:

Kathy Young
Executive Council
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0425
Email: kathy.young@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-526-8927

Joanna Lilley
Government of Yukon
Whitehorse
Phone: 867-667-5341
Email: joanna.lilley@gov.yk.ca
Cell: 867-334-3071