SASKATCHEWAN CELEBRATES SMALL BUSINESS WEEK, OCT. 23-27

Released on October 19, 1995

Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfelter said today Small
Business Week in Canada, Oct. 23 to 27, is a celebration of special
importance to Saskatchewan.

"The small business sector is probably more important to Saskatchewan's
economy than almost any other province," Lingenfelter said. "Small
businesses represent almost 40 per cent of all employment in
Saskatchewan. In 1993, they had a payroll of more than $2.3 billion.
Locally-owned, independent and innovative, they create nearly
three-quarters of the new jobs in Saskatchewan.

"That's why small business has been an integral part of the Partnership
for Renewal economic plan." The plan, introduced in 1992, is a 10-year
strategy to improve the economy by working in partnership with
business, workers, producers, communities and the people of
Saskatchewan.

Lingenfelter said the Saskatchewan government worked in partnership
with the federal government to create the Canada Saskatchewan Business
Service Centre, which combines information on federal and provincial
government programs, services and contacts at a single point of access.

"Other steps to support small business include lowering the small
business tax rate, the investment tax credit on capital purchases
directed to manufacturing and processing activity, and reduced
Corporate Income Taxes tied to the level of manufacturing and
processing activity in the province."


Lingenfelter said this year's Small Business Week theme: New Markets -
Opportunities for Growth, is a perfect fit with the fastest growing
companies in the Saskatchewan economy.

"Our fastest growing businesses are young companies with just a few
employees, aggressively marketing new ideas and new products, and
searching for new markets all over the world," Lingenfelter said.
"These enterprises play a vital role in our province, providing
necessary services and products, and creating jobs. They can react
faster, achieve higher standards and provide better service at lower
cost than many of their much larger, more readily recognized
competitors based outside of Saskatchewan."

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For more information, contact:

Lyle Pederson
Economic Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-2212