PHASE TWO OF NORTHERN CONSULTATION PROCESS ANNOUNCED

Released on September 4, 1998

Social Services Minister Lorne Calvert and the Saskatchewan

Association of Northern Communities (New North) Co-Chair Max Morin

today announced plans for phase two of consultation with northern

communities regarding community and social development issues.



Municipalities, organizations and individual residents are being

invited to provide northern perspectives and community-based solutions

to help communities and government best meet the aspirations of

northern residents. Public meetings will be held in a number of

northern communities beginning September 8 in Stony Rapids.



Phase one of the consultation process involved seeking input from

northern community leaders.



"The government of Saskatchewan is committed to working with

communities to enhance social and economic development," Calvert said. "Many northerners have expressed an interest in reviewing social

programs to make them more relevant to northern communities. We are

pleased to respond to that interest and look forward to increased

community participation in the design and delivery of these programs

in the North."



"Northern people welcome the chance to participate in reviewing

how community and social support services can best support the

needs of individuals, their families and their communities,"

Morin said. "We are pleased that the government has responded

positively to our proposal. As a result of this, northerners

will begin a process of change, perhaps gaining more control over

their lives."



Once northern ideas and opinions are documented, the resulting

report will lead to a Memorandum of Understanding and permit the

Province and New North to jointly consider changes to the

provision of existing programs and services. Implementation of

these changes could occur over the next several years. The

report is expected to be available early next year.



"This consultation process gives northerners an opportunity to

present their concerns and their ideas on a wide range of social

programs, such as family services, child development, the

administration of social assistance, youth justice and community

development," Calvert said. "It will assist the provincial

government in addressing community and social development needs

in consultation with northern leaders."



The results of the community consultation will also contribute to

implementation of the Northern Strategy, a broad socio-economic

development plan for northern Saskatchewan recently approved by

the provincial government and northern leaders.



The Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities, popularly

known as New North, deals with issues affecting Saskatchewan's 38

northern municipalities. New North and the provincial government

participate on several joint committees addressing community

interests including housing, infrastructure, social development

and justice.



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NOTE: The following northern communities will be invited to

public meetings: Stony Rapids, Uranium City, Camsell Portage,

Cumberland House, Denare Beach, Creighton, Sandy Bay, Pelican

Narrows, Timber Bay, Weyakwin, La Ronge, Air Ronge, Stanley

Mission, Missinippi, Pinehouse Lake, Beauval, Patuanak, Dore

Lake, Sled Lake, Green Lake, Jans Bay, Cole Bay, Buffalo Narrows,

Michel Village, St. George's Hill, Turnor Lake, La Loche, Garson

Lake, Duscharme Lake, Bear Creek, Ile a la Crosse and Black

Point.



For more information, contact:



Kimberly Wihnan

Social Services

Regina

Phone: (306)787-6349



Or



Max Morin, co-chair

Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities

Ile a la Crosse

Phone: (306)833-2122