PREMIER'S VOLUNTARY SECTOR INITIATIVE FORUM HELD

Approximately 150 voluntary sector representatives and government officials met to strengthen their collaborative relationship at the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative (PVSI) annual two-day forum, which wrapped up in Regina today.

"Saskatchewan people are well known for their co-operative and innovative nature," Premier Lorne Calvert said. "Our province was built on that foundation. That's why I'm pleased to see these dedicated people coming together to get the job done in the true spirit of collaboration."

The theme of this year's forum, Moving Forward Together, focused on building on past successes as well as next steps in creating a brighter future for Saskatchewan's voluntary sector.

"The voluntary sector contributes incredibly to our province - it's one of the main reasons why people from beyond our borders choose to come and have events here and why people here have the best quality of life in the country," Legislative Secretary and PVSI co-chair Doreen Hamilton said. "This forum is about listening, sharing and brainstorming together to ensure our valuable sector continues to be the strongest in the entire nation."

Saskatchewan has the nation's highest rate of volunteerism, yet the challenges that exist are very real for many Saskatchewan voluntary sector organizations. That's why the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative is working to link the priorities of the voluntary sector to the needs of Saskatchewan people.

"Although Saskatchewan leads the nation in voluntary participation, we cannot assume this will always be the case," PVSI Co-Chair and United Way of Regina Director of Community Impact and Investments Tracey Mann said. "Addressing these challenges together is the right thing to do if we are to meet the challenges and thrive into the future."

For more information on the Premier's Voluntary Sector Initiative visit www.cyr.gov.sk.ca

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For More Information, Contact:

Richard Fink Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-5781