Released on February 4, 1999
Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Janice MacKinnon todayparticipated in an event recognizing the Mid-West Regional Economic
Development Authority for its involvement in the REDA Youth Employment
Initiative, a program that hires young people, while helping REDAs to
expand their services to local businesses.
The Mid-West REDA hired Jess Donahue, of Biggar, in December, 1998 to
take part in the employment program locally. The REDA provides
services for business development and regional economic initiatives
for Unity, Biggar, Wilkie and several rural municipalities.
"I am pleased to see the REDA Youth Employment Initiative in action
here in the Unity region," MacKinnon said. "This program has helped
us provide employment and training for young people, as well as
allowing REDAs to add to the services they can offer the local
business community."
The REDA Youth Employment Initiative is a program for Saskatchewan
residents between the ages of 18 and 29 years of age, who are recent
graduates of a recognized post-secondary business program. These
graduates have helped in a number of areas, including business
counselling, preparing regional profiles and identifying regional
business development issues and opportunities. The full-time work
term is for a minimum of four months and must be completed by March of
1999.
Saskatchewan Economic and Co-operative Development is supporting
the REDAs by paying up to 75 per cent of the salary costs and by
providing training and mentor opportunities for those hired.
"This program is a great help to us at Mid-West," said Mid-West
REDA Chairperson Evan Simpson. "Jess has been actively involved
in a number of tourism projects during his term."
The $240,000 REDA Youth Employment Initiative is one of a number
of enhancements to the REDA program announced in the 1998-99
budget. In all, the province is investing an additional
$1.95 million in REDAs to help increase their capacity to serve
Saskatchewan businesses and co-operatives.
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For more information, contact:
Bob Ellis
Economic and Co-operative Development
Regina
Phone: (306)787-1691