Released on March 26, 1997
Dr. Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri, Premier of the South African province of
Free State, is on a four-day visit to Saskatchewan to study Canadian
federalism and the Canadian parliamentary system as part of an exchange
and consulting agreement between the two provinces.
During Premier Matsepe-Casaburri's stay she is meeting with Premier Roy
Romanow, Lieutenant Governor John Wiebe, legislative assembly Speaker
Glenn Hagel, Deputy Premier and Economic and Co-operative Development
Minister Dwain Lingenfelter, Intergovernmental Affairs Minister Ned
Shillington, other ministers and senior officials to discuss how the
Saskatchewan legislature functions. While in Saskatoon later this
week, the Free State premier is visiting the University of Saskatchewan
and Saskatoon's mayor.
Saskatchewan has been assisting Free State province since 1993 through
the South Africa-Canada Governance Program, sharing knowledge and
expertise on the machinery of government. A number of Free State
elected representatives, including the first premier, Patrick Lekota,
and senior officials have come to Saskatchewan for orientation
programs.
Several Saskatchewan officials have been in Free State to provide
hands-on assistance in developing government processes and public
service management. Deputy Premier and Economic and Co-operative
Development Minister Lingenfelter visited Free State during his recent
mission to southern Africa, exploring the region as a significant
market for Saskatchewan livestock genetics and dryland farm machinery.
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For further information, contact:
Debra Hartung
International Relations
(re: Saskatchewan-Free State exchange)
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-7855
Protocol Office
(re: Premier Matsepe-Casaburri's itinerary)
Regina
Phone: (306) 787-3001