ACRE MANDATE EXTENDED TO 2005

The Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) today presented the Government of Saskatchewan with an additional 109 ideas for growing the rural economy.

ACRE presented its first report to government on April 29th, 2002, containing more than 40 priority recommendations. Today's release of the supplementary recommendations, which came from ACRE's 10 sub-committees, brings to a close the first phase of ACRE's work.

In total, ACRE has made more than 150 recommendations, touching on every aspect of the rural economy and ranging in scope from minor changes to existing regulations to dramatic changes in government programming and policy.

The 45-member committee is made up of individuals from all areas of rural life. ACRE was formed in September 2000 to advise the government, industry and rural communities on how to stimulate development in rural Saskatchewan. ACRE's mandate has been extended to March 31st, 2005.

To complete the next phase of their mandate, ACRE will work with government on implementing its recommendations, and will continue to examine the rural economy to identify other areas where change is necessary to build a positive future.

"The status quo is not an option for rural Saskatchewan," co-chair of ACRE Audrey Horkoff of Kamsack explained. "The decline of rural Saskatchewan has been in progress for more than 50 years and reversing this trend will not happen overnight. Government has a role to play, but it is up to communities and individuals to lead."

Horkoff added that ACRE will continue to monitor the delivery and overall success of the government's response document: A Strategy for Rural Saskatchewan: Responding to ACRE.

"Our government's Rural Strategy, which is based on the fine work of ACRE to date, represents our long-term plan for revitalizing our rural economy," ACRE co-chair, Deputy Premier and Agriculture, Food and Rural Revitalization Minister Clay Serby said. "On behalf of the Government of Saskatchewan, I am pleased to accept these additional recommendations, and I commend ACRE for its continued commitment to building a successful future for rural Saskatchewan."

Copies of ACRE's supplementary report are available by calling the Rural Issues Office at (306) 787-4484 or by visiting the ACRE Web site at www.agr.gov.sk.ca/acre.

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For More Information, Contact:

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

Trish Alcorn Agricluture, Food and Rural Revitalization Regina Phone: (306)787-5389