NATIONAL INNOVATION CAMPAIGN PROMOTES SASKATCHEWAN OPPORTUNITIES

Premier Lorne Calvert and Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline today launched a national campaign to inform Canadian business leaders about Saskatchewan's innovation economy and high-ranking competitive business environment.

Innovative by Nature is a multimedia campaign targeting out-of-province business leaders who make investment decisions. Announced in the April 2006 budget, the campaign has a budget of $2.5 million in the government's current fiscal year.

"There is a tremendous amount of world-class innovation taking place in Saskatchewan and it is a significant contributor to our robust economy," Calvert said. "Promoting Saskatchewan's competitive business edge and our knowledge industries will ensure that our economic momentum reaches its full potential. The end result will be more opportunities in Saskatchewan for our families and our young people."

The campaign includes a 60-second television commercial airing on national business networks to the end of March, a multi-screen video presentation, a significant Internet presence and brochures and other print material. The campaign also features business receptions in Ottawa on October 18th and in Toronto on October 20th, with similar receptions in Calgary and Vancouver to follow in the new year.

"Research shows that an innovative environment is especially important to attract and retain young professionals and trades people," Cline said. "We have been working hard to promote Saskatchewan as a good place to live, work and do business to the rest of Canada. An important piece of this work is raising awareness of impressive world-class innovation coming out of Saskatchewan, as well as the measures government is taking to support business including our recently announced business tax cuts."

In addition to raising awareness about Saskatchewan's strong economy, access to a competent labour force and low-cost business climate, Innovative by Nature focuses on the quality of life people enjoy in Saskatchewan.

Participants in the upcoming business receptions and the multimedia presentation include Canadian Light Source, SED Systems, Bioriginal, Cameco, Husky Oil, Hitachi, Ground Effects, Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technologies, Petroleum Technology Research Centre and Saskatchewan Advanced Technology Association.

"Promoting business and investment in Saskatchewan is an important and ongoing task," Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce president Ralph Boychuk said. "Anyone in business knows that second to having a great product is a sales plan. Today's launch of Innovative by Nature is just one more tool that is helping build a better Saskatchewan."

You can read more about Saskatchewan's innovative achievements online at www.thinksask.ca.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691 Email: rellis@ir.gov.sk.ca