PROVINCIAL AND NORTHERN MUNICIPAL LEADERS MEET TO DISCUSS NORTHERN ISSUES

Northern Mayors and the Government of Saskatchewan are holding a Northern Roundtable meeting today to discuss several issues of importance to Northern Communities. These meetings are held several times a year to provide an opportunity for local elected officials and provincial Cabinet Ministers to discuss important issues.

Today's meeting includes discussions on a variety of issues such as: initiatives to clean up abandoned mine sites; road construction and maintenance; bus service; Sask 911 implementation; cellular phone service; social program issues; infrastructure funding; the Northern Water and Sewer Program; youth, education and employment issues; and policing and justice issues.

Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger, Government Relations Minister Len Taylor, Justice Minister Frank Quennell, Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty and staff of several departments are involved in today's Roundtable discussions.

"The Northern Municipal Roundtable is a valuable forum for checking progress on a variety of issues of importance to northerners," Belanger said. "The voice of northern communities is an essential ingredient for identifying challenges and solutions."

"We believe a collaborative approach is the best way to address and co-ordinate key issues facing our communities," Taylor said. "Face-to-face meetings like this provide the opportunity for information-sharing and discussions that enhance the way we do business together."

"We also believe in a collaborative approach," New North Chair Dale McAuley said. "This type of forum provides the opportunity for all elected officials of northern communities to participate in an open dialogue on the issues and concerns that affect the quality of life of our northern residents and communities alike. It's important that our voices be heard and our needs addressed, and this provides an opportunity to express our issues."

The meetings are jointly chaired by New North and the Ministers of Northern Affairs and Government Relations.

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For More Information, Contact:

Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5959	Al Loke New North La Ronge Phone: (306)425-5505
John Charlton Northern Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5061