$2.2 MILLION FOR NEW STUDENT EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM

Saskatchewan public and voluntary sector employers and students received good news today from Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Glenn Hagel at the announcement of the new Student Employment Experience program, or SEE.

The $2.2 million program provides subsidies to create career-quality jobs for students. At least 700 positions will be delivered through SEE this year.

"We are investing in our youth, but we are also investing in our communities," Hagel said. "Many community-based organizations engage students they could not otherwise hire to deliver vital community services."

When surveyed in 2004, Saskatchewan young people cited career opportunities as the most important factor in determining where to live.

"SEE will help us demonstrate the variety of job options available to young people right here in Saskatchewan," Hagel said. "When employers provide career-related employment to students they not only support their own future human resource needs but also youth retention in the province and our economy as a whole."

Information on SEE, including application packages for community-based organizations, is available on the Culture, Youth and Recreation's website at www.cyr.gov.sk.ca. Deadline for applications is March 31st, 2006.

SEE replaces the Centennial Student Employment program that created over 6,000 career-quality jobs for students during its five-year mandate.

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For More Information, Contact:

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