GOVERNMENTS CONTRIBUTE $6.75 MILLION TO SEVEN PROJECTS

Six Saskatchewan organizations will benefit from a $6.75 million contribution made through the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement (WEPA) for key research, investment and tourism projects.

Federal Finance Minister Ralph Goodale, on behalf of the Honourable Stephen Owen, Minister of Western Economic Diversification and Provincial Crown Management Board Minister Pat Atkinson on behalf of Saskatchewan Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline made the announcement today.

The funding will go to seven projects being undertaken by six organizations: Ag-West Bio Inc., the Petroleum Technology Research Centre, Saskatchewan Research Council, Tourism Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan, and the Western Development Museum (WDM). Projects include support for research intiatives at Saskatchewan's leading research facilities as well as investments in the province's growing tourism industry and celebrating Saskatchewan's centennial in 2005.

"Everyone in Saskatchewan will benefit from a robust and diversified economy that will result from this investment," said Ralph Goodale, Minister of Finance. "The Government of Canada is committed to supporting innovative, regional development initiatives in all parts of the country, especially Western Canada."

"These diverse projects demonstrate what WEPA is all about, namely funding tools that increase knowledge, foster research and strengthen our economy," Atkinson said. "Through such investments in infrastructure, we ensure that Saskatchewan's economy continues to be competitive and productive."

The projects range from expanding a pre-venture capital investment fund, developing a pilot fermentation plant facility, further exploration of C02 capture and storage and supporting Saskatchewan's pulse crop industry, to increasing the skills of Saskatchewan's tourism operators and celebrating Saskatchewan's centennial with new museum exhibits.

Signed in September 2003, the Canada-Saskatchewan Western Economic Partnership Agreement focuses on increasing the competitiveness and productivity of Saskatchewan's economy. All seven projects involve a quest for new scientific discoveries, developing new skill sets and expanding knowledge of Saskatchewan's proud history.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and the March 2004 provincial budget.

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For More Information, Contact:

Joanne Mysak Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: (306) 975-5942

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691