Released on March 19, 1998
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon saidtoday that an extra $2.2 million for community economic development in
the 1998-99 provincial budget will strengthen job creation.
"Through increased assistance, we are working with communities,
businesses and co-operatives to create jobs for people in
Saskatchewan," MacKinnon said. "We're investing in organizations at
the community level, giving local people the resources they need for
locally driven approaches to economic growth."
The new investments include:
$1.955 million in additional support to Regional Economic
Development Authorities (REDAs) for capital projects, training,
youth employment opportunities, expansion of information-sharing
networks, and creation of rural satellite offices of the
Saskatoon-based Canada-Saskatchewan Business Service Center;
$180,000 to help community groups form inner-city neighbourhood
development organizations to promote economic growth; and
$100,000 in additional support to new and existing co-operatives
for feasibility studies, marketing and business planning.
MacKinnon noted 24 REDAs have already been established, allowing
communities, organizations and co-operatives to co-ordinate efforts to
promote economic development. REDAs receive matching government
funding for their annual operations.
"REDAs have been very successful in generating economic growth in
Saskatchewan communities," she said. "This new funding
represents a 120 per cent increase over our REDA investment last
year. The funding will help REDAs, especially in rural
communities, further develop services for small business,
one-stop business service centers and regional facilities that
promote economic expansion."
MacKinnon said the neighbourhood development organization
initiative represents a new approach to problems faced in
Saskatchewan's inner city neighbourhoods. Local community
organizations will work with government to co-ordinate
organizational development, education and training and local
business projects in these neighbourhoods. Neighbourhood
development projects will run in Saskatoon, Prince Albert and
Regina in 1998-99.
"An integrated approach will better provide inner-city residents
with the tools they need to fully participate in our growing
economy," MacKinnon said. "We want to ensure the broadest
possible access to the new job and educational opportunities now
available."
The minister said expanded funding for co-operatives is part of
the government's ongoing commitment to the important co-operative
sector. "So much of what we enjoy in Saskatchewan today has been
shaped by co-operatives," she said. "The co-operative structure
is a natural model for community economic development, and as
such ensures that co-operatives will continue to shape
Saskatchewan for many years to come."
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For more information contact:
Debbie Wilkie
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina Phone: (306)787-1691