NORTHWEST REDA RECEIVES REDA ENHANCEMENT FUNDING

Post-Secondary Education and Skills Training Minister Maynard Sonntag,

on behalf of Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice

MacKinnon, today announced support of $18,467 to the Northwest

Regional Economic Development Authority (REDA).



The REDA will use the funding to help the Goodsoil Community Centre

maintain and expand Goodsoil River Rafting, a tourism initiative in

Meadow Lake Provincial Park.



"REDAs have played an important role in community economic development

in Saskatchewan, helping us build a business climate that encourages

growth and job creation at both the local and provincial levels,"

Sonntag said.



"This initiative by Goodsoil Community Centre Inc. will provide an

opportunity for youth employment in the area, while tapping into

Saskatchewan's growing tourism industry."



Funding comes from the REDA Enhancement Fund which assists REDAs to

further develop services for small business, establish one-stop

business service centres, and initiate programs that promote economic

expansion.



"The financial assistance that REDAs provide local businesses and

organizations is invaluable," said Patty Conkin, Chairperson of

the Northwest REDA. "We are pleased to support Goodsoil

Community Centre because its efforts provides summer employment

for our youth and promotes adventure tourism."



REDAs have assisted in community business projects that range

from youth employment initiatives, to tourism-related projects,

to feasibility studies and recreation facilities.



"The REDA Enhancement Fund is one way we are living up to our

commitment to support community economic development and to work

with communities to provide jobs for Saskatchewan people,"

Sonntag said.

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For more information, contact:



Bob Ellis

Economic and Co-operative Development

Regina

Phone: (306) 787-1691