GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS SASKATCHEWAN CO-OPERATIVES

The Government of Saskatchewan will be providing $65,000 in funding in each of the next two years to support the promotion and development of co-operatives in the province.

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Association (SCA) and the Government of Saskatchewan signed an agreement today that will provide support for new and existing co-operatives and at the same time focus on seniors' housing needs.

"The agreement between the SCA and the government will help to promote the development and expansion of co-operatives in Saskatchewan, as well as looking into how the co-operative model can be used to expand seniors housing," Enterprise Minister Ken Cheveldayoff said. "Enterprise Saskatchewan's Co-operative Sector Team recommended we move forward with this initiative which will benefit both co-operatives and seniors in the province."

"The funding provided by the Government of Saskatchewan will provide valuable resources to promote the co-operative business model," Saskatchewan Co-operative Association Executive Director Victoria Morris said. "The agreement will concentrate on assisting communities in providing services to seniors that include housing and other initiatives. By providing support for new and existing co-operatives, we will be better able to fill some of the void in providing affordable and secure housing for Saskatchewan seniors."

The two-year agreement will provide funding from April 2010 through to April 2012.

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For more information, contact:

Deb Young
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: Deb.Young@enterprisesask.ca