Released on February 23, 1996
Economic Development Minister Dwain Lingenfelter today joined withbusiness, co-operative and community representatives in Saskatoon to
launch Partnership for Growth: Building on the Renewal of the
Saskatchewan Economy.
"This document contains 21 initiatives that will help us build on the
accomplishments achieved by our Partnership for Renewal economic strategy
over the past three years," Lingenfelter said. "With economic renewal
well underway, it's time to focus on opportunities for economic growth
and job creation."
The Partnership for Growth document outlines how the government will
cultivate a positive business environment, build on Saskatchewan's
strengths in six key economic sectors and develop partnerships and
programs in pursuit of full employment.
"It's important to nurture the small businesses that are responsible for
creating most of the new jobs in Saskatchewan. That is why we will
reduce the number of regulations, many of which impact business, by 25
per cent over the next 10 years, educate young people about the option of
going into business for themselves, and make Regional Economic
Development Authorities (REDAs) the focal point for development in their
communities," Lingenfelter said.
"Increased trade will be the source of much of Saskatchewan's economic
growth in the 21st century, so we are establishing a trade development
corporation called the Saskatchewan Trade and Export Partnership Inc.,
(STEP). The corporation will help our exporting firms develop and expand
their markets to allow those firms to grow and create jobs and wealth for
Saskatchewan.
"Tourism is another area with great potential for growth and job
creation. We will work with stakeholders to develop a provincial tourism
strategy, and to develop projects in such areas as Aboriginal, eco- and
agri-tourism."
Partnership for Growth also includes plans to build on Saskatchewan's
existing strengths in agri-value, forestry, mining, energy, cultural
industries and information technology. Other significant initiatives
will analyze Saskatchewan's business climate to improve competitiveness
and better match training to job opportunities."
In addition, Partnership for Growth represents a renewed commitment to
the objectives laid out in Partnership for Renewal, including:
implementing plans to balance the provincial budget and manage the debt;
targeting tax reductions for business; helping communities to co-ordinate
development in their areas through REDAs; and, pursue comprehensive
strategies for Saskatchewan's key economic sectors.
"These actions have also helped our partners -- businesses, workers,
co-operatives and communities -- create 10,000 new jobs in Saskatchewan
since 1992," Lingenfelter said. "We firmly believe this same partnership
will result in the creation of another 20,000 jobs over the next five
years, to reach Partnership for Renewal's target of 30,000 new jobs
between 1992 and 2000."
Lingenfelter said consultations with business and community leaders were
instrumental in helping develop Partnership for Growth. More than 550
people took part in consultations held across the province between
November 1995 and January 1996.
"I want to thank everyone who provided us with input and advice about
Partnership for Growth," Lingenfelter said. "In many ways, this strategy
is your strategy. It's clear that economic development must be a shared
responsibility, so we will continue to work with our partners to achieve
the goals of Partnership for Growth and to ensure that Saskatchewan
people have a prosperous and secure future."
Copies of Partnership for Growth are available to the Saskatchewan public
by calling (toll-free) 1-800-265-2001.
The document is also available on the Internet at
http://www.gov.sk.ca/govt/econdev/pfg.htm.
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For more information, contact:
Peter Phillips
Assistant Deputy Minister
Economic Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1672