SASKATCHEWAN YOUTH RETENTION FOCUS OF NEW COUNCIL

Stronger and more effective engagement of Saskatchewan's youth in the province's economy and future are being secured today with the establishment of a council to advise government on how to better prepare young people for employment or to start their own businesses.

The Youth Economic Engagement Council will provide recommendations designed to increase youth entrepreneurship, as well as achieving higher levels of general economic engagement among Saskatchewan's youth through preparation for employment such as apprenticeship and access to meaningful education and strategies. The goal is to enhance the retention and attraction of young people as Saskatchewan's key future workforce.

"We all have a vested interest in ensuring our young people have an opportunity to reach their maximum potential, and to do it right here in Saskatchewan," First Nations Métis Relations Minister and Board member of Enterprise Saskatchewan June Draude said on behalf of Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart. "By establishing the Youth Economic Engagement Council and striving to develop and retain tomorrow's leaders, we are helping to secure not only the futures of our youth, but the future of the entire province."

The first members of the Youth Economic Engagement Council will include:

• Tyler Bradley, Investment Analyst, Westcap Management Ltd.
• Jillian Bilawchuk, Owner, Jillian's Design Elements Inc.
• Mika Carriere, Science and Technology Intern, Prince Albert Model Forest Inc.
• Ashley Charles, Education and Training Co-ordinator, Northern Career Quest
• Lorraine Forster, President, Prairie's Edge Development Corporation
• Linda Jijian, Associate Manager-Development, SaskCentral
• Cory MacDougall, Director of Administration, Dumont Technical Institute
• Ryan Thompson, Manager, Border Line Feeders, Inc., Ceylon, SK
• Levi Wood, President, J and L Ventures, Pense, SK

The Youth Economic Engagement Council will report to the board of Enterprise Saskatchewan, the government's agency responsible for managing economic growth and development, as the newest of its Strategic Issues Councils. The agency's Strategic Issues Councils have an important role in economic growth through stakeholder collaboration and participation in developing policies and strategy.

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For more information, contact:

Jamie Shanks
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: jamie.shanks@enterprisesask.ca