FEDERAL AND PROVINCIAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT FUNDING FOR NORTHWEST SASKATCHEWAN

Communities affected by the establishment of the Primrose Lake Air Weapons Range (PLAWR) in northwest Saskatchewan in 1953 will benefit from a $19.5 million investment by the Government of Canada and the Province of Saskatchewan. The investment, to be spread over five years, will be used for regional economic development initiatives. The announcement was made today by Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance and Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger.

A discussion process on how to establish a community investment fund or similar vehicle for the funding will begin immediately with an initial community meeting in early April in Beauval. Federal, provincial and community officials will then hold a series of discussions after that date.

Under the terms of the proposal, the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will each contribute $6 million in economic development funding for a total of $12 million. Western Economic Diversification Canada will also provide a further $7.5 million federal infrastructure component.

"We are working to improve the quality of life for residents of northwestern Saskatchewan," said Minister Goodale, who made the announcement on behalf of the Government of Canada. "The funding will help harness the incredible resources and talents of communities in this area - tapping into these vital sources of economic strength."

"The fund will be an investment in future opportunities for the people of Jans Bay, Cole Bay, Île-à-la-Crosse and Beauval," Belanger said. "We will work with the communities to develop accountability mechanisms that ensure the fund provides assistance to elders while supporting the area's vision for a stronger economy and family well-being."

The economic development initiatives under discussion are not packages for individuals claiming compensation from the federal or provincial government departments associated with the establishment of the PLAWR. The funding will be used to support economic development initiatives for all residents of the Primrose area.

"Our Elders have played an important role in this process from the beginning," Beauval community representative Alex Maurice said. "We want to recognize their contributions that have brought us to the point we're at today - the economic development funding from the federal and provincial governments."

"The process has taken a long time, but it is evident there will be long-term benefits to the communities," Île-à-la-Crosse community representative Jim Durocher added.

The federal investment for this fund will be allocated from the current fiscal framework.

This news release is also available through the Internet at www.ainc-inac.gc.ca, www.wd.gc.ca and www.northern.gov.sk.ca.

-30-

For More Information, Contact:

Pat Breton Office of the Minister of Finance Ottawa Phone: (613)996-7681	Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306)975-5942
Brian Cousins Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5061