ACRE FINALIZING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR RURAL SASKATCHEWAN

The Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) is meeting today to finalize its newest recommendations on ways to encourage economic development in rural Saskatchewan.

The recommendations, which were discussed with rural residents at meetings around the province in December and January, focus on the areas of Infrastructure, Crown Lands, Employment, and Business Development.

"We received excellent feedback from rural people at our public meetings," ACRE Co-Chair Audrey Horkoff said. "Our recommendations created a high level of interest and generated some serious debate about important rural issues.

"After listening to what residents of Saskatchewan had to say, we have revised some of the original draft recommendations – particularly those relating to Infrastructure – and will be deciding today which ones to include in our final report to the Province."

ACRE is expected to deliver its final report to the Government of Saskatchewan in late March or early April 2005.

More information is available by visiting ACRE's website at www.agr.gov.sk.ca/acre or by calling the Rural Issues Office at (306) 787-4484.

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For More Information, Contact:

Audrey Horkoff ACRE Kamsack Phone: (306) 542-4472

Scott Brown Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306) 787-4031