OCTOBER 18-22, 2010 IS DECLARED SASKATCHEWAN CO-OPERATIVE WEEK

Enterprise Minister Jeremy Harrison proclaimed October 18-22, 2010 as Saskatchewan Co-operative Week. The announcement was made today at a flag raising ceremony in the rotunda of the Saskatchewan Legislature.

The Saskatchewan Co-operative Week theme - Experiencing the Co-operative Difference - celebrates the co-op business model and the contributions that co-operatives have made to economic development in the province, including the creation of sustainable jobs and investment in Saskatchewan communities. The week is held in tandem with National Co-operative Week.

"Co-operatives are an important part of Saskatchewan's business landscape, and their unique business model has proven its ability to thrive in both successful and challenging economic times," Harrison said. "We are proud of the positive impact co-ops continue to make on our economic and social sectors, and in the communities they serve."

"We are pleased with the government's continued support of our co-operatives," Saskatchewan's Co-operative Association Executive Director Victoria Morris said. "Their collaboration through the Co-operative Sector Team means our co-operative enterprises can continue to expand and diversify to meet the changing needs of the people in this province."

Co-operatives are owned and controlled by thousands of members across the province. Saskatchewan has more than 1,100 co-operatives operating in nearly every economic and social sector including agricultural marketing and processing, community development, financial services, retail services, childcare, health care and recreation.

Co-operatives represent more than a quarter of the province's top 100 businesses, control billions of dollars in assets and revenue and provide jobs for approximately 15,000 people.

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For more information, contact:

Shanna Schulhauser
Enterprise Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: shanna.schulhauser@enterprisesask.ca