Released on May 21, 1998
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon todayunveiled a $240,000 program aimed at providing jobs for young people
in Regional Economic Development Authorities (REDAs).
"Under this program, young people will gain practical work experience
in community economic development and REDAs will be able to expand the
services they offer by hiring bright, energetic young people,"
MacKinnon said.
The young people hired by the REDAs will help them in a number of
areas including business counselling, developing regional profiles or
with other regional business development issues and opportunities.
The minister said that this youth employment program is one of several
new initiatives included in the $1.95 million in additional REDA
funding announced in this year's budget. "This package is part of our
commitment to investing in our communities through expanding our
support to REDAs. This will mean more opportunities to create jobs
and economic growth for Saskatchewan people."
The REDA Youth Employment program is open to Saskatchewan residents
between the ages of 18 and 29, who are near or recent graduates of a
recognized post-secondary business program. The full-time work term
will be for a minimum of four months and must be completed by March of
1999.
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development will support
the REDAs by paying up to 75 percent of the salary costs and by
providing training and mentor opportunities for those hired. The
first training program is expected to get underway in June.
"We are extremely proud of this initiative as it not only assists
REDAs, but young people as well," MacKinnon said. "Our youth are
the keys to Saskatchewan's future and by providing these young
people with employment opportunities we are helping them build on
their work experience and in turn building stronger, healthier
communities."
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For more information contact:
Debbie Wilkie
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306)787-1691