ACRE MAKES SECOND SET OF RECOMMENDATIONS TO GOVERNMENT

After two years of research and public consultation, the Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) delivered 35 recommendations today, focused on building Saskatchewan's rural economy.

The Committee's Phase II Report targets the key areas of infrastructure, business development, rural employment and Crown lands. The recommendations ask government to:

• develop a co-ordinated strategy using infrastructure resources to support economic development;

• streamline and enhance economic development programs provided by all levels of government;

• strengthen opportunities for rural employment by providing more attention to trades training, funding for entrepreneurs, immigration and enhancing the labour-business environment; and

• maximize the economic potential of Saskatchewan's Crown lands.

"Since our first meeting in 2000, ACRE members have invested a lot of time and energy examining the rural economy," ACRE Co-Chair Audrey Horkoff said. "Although some of the discussions leading up to this final report were controversial, we are proud to have had the opportunity to facilitate discussion in the public arena."

The committee presented the report to Deputy Premier and Rural Development Minister Clay Serby.

"ACRE members have worked diligently in consultations with rural residents, and those consultations have given rural residents an opportunity to discuss vital issues for the future of this province," Serby said. "These recommendations provide a major stepping stone in helping Saskatchewan achieve its vision of a green and prosperous rural economy."

ACRE's mandate has allowed the 46-member committee to engage rural Saskatchewan in ongoing dialogue on enhanced partnerships and collaboration; monitor delivery of the individual actions and collective success of the rural strategy; and re-examine the rural economy, exploring new areas for economic growth and new actions that can be recommended to Government.

"It has been a rewarding experience working with rural residents to design a strategy that will address future growth," Horkoff said. "With the level of enthusiasm and commitment of our committee, we will see a brighter future for rural Saskatchewan."

In April 2002, ACRE presented its first set of recommendations to the Standing Committee on Agriculture in the Saskatchewan Legislative Assembly. Today following Question Period, ACRE will present its Phase II findings to the all-party Standing Committee on Intergovernmental Affairs and Infrastructure in the Legislative Assembly.

ACRE's body of work represents one of the most comprehensive reviews of the rural economy ever undertaken in Saskatchewan.

More information is available on ACRE's website at www.rd.gov.sk.ca/acre or by calling Rural Development at (306) 787-9703.

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For More Information, Contact:

Audrey Horkoff ACRE Kamsack Phone: (306) 542-7630

Scott Brown Rural Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031