CBO CONSULTATIONS OFFER GOVERNMENT THE OPPORTUNITY TO LISTEN

The province is reaching out to human-service community-based organizations (CBOs) with the goal of strengthening the delivery of services to Saskatchewan people.

The government will be hosting five regional consultations with CBOs later this month. More than 550 CBO delegates from across Saskatchewan are currently registered to participate.

Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer says these events will be a departure from past government consultations in the CBO sector.

"Like any good host, we intend to do the listening, not the talking at these consultations," Harpauer said. "CBOs are an integral part of government's human-service delivery system and we value the unique knowledge and skills that CBOs can contribute to improving services for the people of Saskatchewan."

The conversations will be facilitated by Bob Chartier and Bob Pringle. Mr. Chartier is a Calgary-based author, leadership expert and pioneer of the "Open Space Conference" - an approach to large meetings that promotes creative thinking and gets everyone participating. Mr. Pringle is a former Minister of Social Services, the former CEO at the Saskatoon Food Bank and Learning Centre, and he is a current Saskatoon city councillor.

"What these five days will do is not only open up a conversation with CBOs and the government, but they will offer a look at fresh approaches and new tools for future dialogue," Chartier said.

"Providing an opportunity for community-based organizations to come together from across Saskatchewan and speak to the provincial government is long over due, and I am honoured to be a part of this important process," Pringle added. "This dialogue will strengthen the ongoing cooperation, partnership and services which will greatly benefit individuals, families and our communities."

Dates and locations of the five consultations are as follows:

September 15 - Saskatoon, TCU Place
September 16 - Regina, Conexus Arts Centre
September 22 - North Battleford, Gold Eagle Lodge
September 23 - Prince Albert, Art Hauser Centre
September 25 - Yorkton, St. Gerard's Parish Complex

Human-service CBOs which have not yet registered to participate in one of the consultations are encouraged to do so by September 10. The easiest way to register is by visiting the Ministry of Social Services website at www.socialservices.gov.sk.ca/cbosummit.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina, Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca