PREMIER'S VOLUNTARY SECTOR INITIATIVE ANNOUNCES FALL FORUM

The Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative (PVSI) announced its fall forum will be held September 22nd and 23rd, 2006, in Saskatoon.

"Working collaboratively with the voluntary sector is something this government takes great pride in," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "The forum provides a positive opportunity for both sectors to come together with the aim of strengthening our relationship. It's about accomplishing our shared goals with the result being a better Saskatchewan for all to live, work and raise a family."

Hosting the second annual forum, the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative has been working with the Saskatchewan voluntary sector to examine areas of mutual benefit. The result has been a strengthened relationship and a realization of greater benefits to share between the province and the voluntary sector.

"Every year the voluntary sector contributes tremendously to the economy, the social well-being and the quality of life in Saskatchewan," Legislative Secretary and PVSI Chair Doreen Hamilton said. "It's vital to our unbreakable social fabric that work with the voluntary sector continues in this positive direction. The fall forum provides another great opportunity for us to engage the voluntary sector and collectively identify means to face the challenges of strengthening the relationship between government and the voluntary sector."

Saskatchewan's voluntary sector boasts the nation's highest rate of volunteerism and participation and touches the lives of all Saskatchewan people. The Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative provides a vital link to the priorities of the voluntary sector with the needs of Saskatchewan people.

"The 12,000 volunteer groups and 5,000 incorporated charities across the province contribute to the quality of life of hundreds of thousands of Saskatchewan people," PVSI Co-Chair and Director of Community Impact and Investments with the United Way of Regina Tracey Mann said. "The sector is profoundly important to the people of this province."

The Voluntary Sector Initiative Fall Forum is inviting over 150 voluntary sector leaders and government stakeholders to the two-day forum.

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For More Information, Contact:

Richard Fink Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967