SPECIAL CENTENNIAL MOTION INTRODUCED IN LEGISLATURE

Members of the Legislative Assembly recognized today as Centennial Day at the Saskatchewan Legislature.

"Our centennial year in 2005 provides us with the opportunity to reflect upon the many contributions Saskatchewan has made to Confederation, to look forward with optimism to our future and to celebrate 100 years of heart in this great province we call home," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Today's debate is a fitting tribute to the people of this province who came before us and to those who will take us into Saskatchewan's next century."

Premier Calvert introduced a special Centennial motion, seconded by Opposition Leader Brad Wall. The motion reads: "That this Legislative Assembly mark the first sitting in our centennial year by honouring Saskatchewan – our rich history of traditions and diverse cultural fabric; our innovative thinking, community spirit and collective pride; our past accomplishments and future opportunities; and all of our people, places and perspectives that make ours such a well-respected province and will provide the foundation to build a bright and prosperous future."

Saskatchewan officially became a province within the Canadian Confederation on September 1st, 1905. Prime Minister Sir Wilfrid Laurier and Governor General Earl Gray arrived in Regina on September 4th, 1905 for the inaugural ceremonies welcoming the province into confederation.

While Saskatchewan's official birthday party will fall on September 4th, 2005, people are getting into the centennial spirit now. They already have something to sing about, with the release of the official Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 song "Saskatchewan – We Love This Place!" written by Stan Garchinski of Saskatoon.

There will be no shortage of opportunity to join in the chorus, with more than 2,005 events already registered on the Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 website at www.sask2005.ca/events. What each of these events has in common is the countless hours of hard work by the many volunteers who are dedicated to throwing a great 100th birthday party in their home community.

People are showing off their Saskatchewan pride by flying a flag, sporting a commemorative pin or wearing official centennial merchandise that is available from community groups and organizers province-wide as a unique fundraising opportunity.

Tributes to the past and the future have been established through programs that recognize Saskatchewan's centenarians, babies born on January 1st, 2005, or September 4th, 2005, and the role individuals have played in the development of their community. People are also sharing their memories of the past and hopes for the future through stories, verse and photography, which are available for viewing on the centennial website.

Regardless of the many ways people will chose to recognize the province's 100th anniversary, 2005 is shaping up to be a year-long, province-wide celebration of our people, our place and our collective pride in Saskatchewan, a message Members of the Legislative Assembly will continue to focus on during the first sitting in our centennial year.

Additional information on Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 is available online at www.sask2005.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Chris Shauf Saskatchewan Centennial 2005 Regina Phone: (306) 787-1254 Cell: (306) 530-5775