CANADIAN COUNCILS OF RESOURCE MINISTERS TO MEET IN SASKATOON

Saskatchewan Environment Minister David Forbes is welcoming his provincial, territorial and federal counterparts to Saskatoon this week, as the Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers gather to discuss issues surrounding natural resources and their sustainable management.

The Canadian Councils of Resource Ministers, meeting October 3rd to 6th, brings together the Canadian Council of Forest Ministers (CCFM), the Canadian Endangered Species Conservation Council, and the Canadian Council of Fisheries and Aquaculture Ministers. As minister responsible for all three areas, Forbes represents Saskatchewan on all three groups. This year, Saskatchewan chairs the CCFM, and co-chairs the other two councils with Canada.

"This gathering is a wonderful opportunity to meet and share ideas with colleagues from across the country," Forbes said. "Although our ecosystems have their differences, many of our issues and concerns are very similar."

The three-day agenda will include joint CCRM sessions discussing broad issues affecting forests, wildlife and fisheries, as well as meetings of the individual resource Councils. Topics to be discussed include: a national wildland fire strategy; species at risk; protection of biodiversity; and a national strategy on wildlife diseases.

Activities during the week will include several announcements of joint initiatives and a legacy tree planting to mark the Saskatchewan centennial.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Jones Environment Regina Cell: (306) 536-8452