PREMIER CALVERT SUPPORTS SASKATCHEWAN BID FOR 2007 JUNOS & CCMAs

Premier Lorne Calvert is throwing his support behind a delegation that is trying to bring major awards shows to the province. Calvert and the Saskatchewan delegation will be making the case for Saskatchewan at the 2005 Juno awards in Winnipeg this weekend.

"We wish our delegation much success in promoting Saskatchewan's bid to host the 2007 Junos and the 2007 Canadian Country Music Association awards while they are at this year's Juno awards," Calvert said. "I will be joining the group later this week for part of the 2005 Juno events in Winnipeg to support their efforts in communicating why Saskatchewan would be a great location for the shows in 2007."

The province recently provided $100,000 to Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc. to support its development of bids to host the 2007 Juno Awards in Saskatoon and the 2007 Canadian Country Music Awards (CCMAs) in Regina. Saskatchewan Creative Music Inc. is a non-profit organization consisting of the Saskatchewan Recording Industry Association and key tourism and business representatives from Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert and Moose Jaw.

"We have a number of exciting activities planned in Winnipeg that will show exactly why Saskatchewan would be a great place to host three major music events in 2007," Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc. president J.P. Ellson said. "With Premier Calvert putting the support of the provincial government behind our efforts, it makes our case that much stronger."

Between March 31st and April 3rd, Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc. will be in Winnipeg to promote Saskatchewan at a Friday evening opening reception at the Junos, host a promotional event for Saskatchewan's bid on Saturday afternoon, and hold a Saturday evening concert sponsored by Saskatchewan Centennial 2005.

Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc. must submit its official bid presentation for the 2007 Junos by April 15th, and the 2007 CCMAs by April 30th. The province has already been chosen to host the Western Canadian Music Association Awards in 2007.

"We are committed to promoting Saskatchewan as a great place to live, work and play, and hosting major music events like the 2007 Junos and CCMAs would boost Saskatchewan's profile and tourism," Calvert said.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

J.P. Ellson Saskatchewan Creative Music 2007 Inc. Regina Cell: (306) 535-6753