GOVERNMENT PROVIDES FUNDS FOR HUDSON BAY CHILD CARE CO-OPERATIVE

Released on December 11, 1997

Carrot River Valley MLA Andy Renaud, on behalf of Social Services

Minister Lorne Calvert, today commended the Hudson Bay Child Care

Co-operative for the work it is doing for children and families in the

Hudson Bay area. Renaud also presented the centre with a cheque to

enhance the good work of the Child Care Co-operative.



The Co-operative is receiving $25,000 to assist with the purchase of a

new building and to pay for renovations to that building so it meets

all the requirements of the Child Care Regulations.



"This government is working with child care providers to ensure

Saskatchewan children grow up in healthy, safe environments," Renaud

said. "The new facility will be a strong asset to the community and

will provide numerous benefits to Hudson Bay and area children."



The funding is part of the $1 million in Child Care Capital Grants

announced in the 1997/98 budget. The Capital Grant funds are being

made available to child care centres for renovating and for upgrading

equipment, to enhance the safety and quality of child care in

Saskatchewan.



A total of 64 centres across the province will be receiving assistance

through this Capital Grant funding.



The Child Care Capital Grants were introduced for the 1997/98

fiscal year through Saskatchewan's Action Plan for Children.



In 1997/98 more than $24.7 million was targeted to programs for

children and families under the Action Plan.



"Our children are our future," Renaud said. "We all need to play

a role in developing a safe supporting environment. I want to

commend the board and staff of the Hudson Bay Care Co-operative

for their commitment to providing a safe and healthy environment

for children."



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For more information, contact:



Virginia Wilkinson

Social Services

Regina

Phone: (306)787-0916