CO-OPERATIVES WEEK RECOGNIZED OCTOBER 15TH TO 21ST

Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby today proclaimed October 15th - 21st as Co-operatives Week in Saskatchewan. This week, also observed nationally, acknowledges and celebrates the importance of co-operatives and credit unions in Saskatchewan and in Canada.

"Co-op Week celebrations began in this country in 1981, appropriately, in Saskatchewan," Serby said. "Since then, Co-op Week has become a nationally-recognized celebration through which the efforts of co-operatives and their leadership are honoured. It's our chance to say thank you."

The highlight of Co-operatives Week is the 27th Annual Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards Program, which recognizes outstanding contributions by co-operatives and co-operative leaders. This year's ceremony, October 16th in Regina, honours five individuals and three co-operatives.

Co-operatives Week officially kicks off with the raising of the international co-operative flag at the Legislative Building before a Monday luncheon involving many co-operative leaders from across the province. Own Your Future is the theme for Co-op Week this year.

Saskatchewan co-operatives have more than 600,000 members and control $12 billion in assets. About 25 of Saskatchewan's top 100 companies are co-operatives. The province's co-ops and credit unions generate about $10 billion in annual revenue. More than 15,000 people, or 3.2 per cent of the province's labour force, are employed by Saskatchewan's 1,100 co-operatives and credit unions.

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For More Information, Contact:

Wayne Thrasher Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-0190