Released on March 24, 1997
Deputy Premier and Economic and Co-operative Development Minister DwainLingenfelter today announced the provincial governmentþs renewed its
emphasis on the co-operative sector in its 1997/98 budget.
"We are significantly enhancing funding with an additional $285,000 being
provided in support of co-operative development and we will be increasing
the staff available to provide information and advice to co-ops in
earlier phases of development," Lingenfelter said. "The co-operative
movement is an integral part of Saskatchewan's past and present.
Economically, it accounts for some of our largest businesses and
exporters.
"Due to the unique structure of co-operative businesses, they can be an
important element in community development in addition to having the
ability to capture world markets and compete on the international stage."
To reflect the increased support role for co-operatives, the name of the
Department of Economic Development is being changed to Department of
Economic and Co-operative Development.
"The Partnership for Growth economic strategy makes a commitment to
working actively with the co-operative sector. We will be consulting
with co-operative leaders as to how we can best strengthen our
partnership with them," Lingenfelter said. "Working together,
Saskatchewan people can achieve economic growth for jobs and long term
prosperity that leads to improved quality of life for all residents."
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For more information, contact:
Debbie Wilkie
Director, Communications
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-1691