Released on August 21, 2001
Premier Calvert's "Dialogue with Saskatchewan" bus tour has now visitedover 50 communities and First Nations since it began August 8th.
Eleven government members, including Highways and Rural Revitalization
Minister Pat Atkinson, Post-Secondary Education Minister Glenn Hagel,
Liquor and Gaming Minister Doreen Hamilton, Northern Affairs Minister Keith
Goulet and Aboriginal Affairs Minister Pat Lorje heard the concerns, ideas
and suggestions of hundreds of people. The tour has covered 2,736 kms over
the past two weeks.
"It has been a valuable experience to hear from people in their own
communities and their own businesses," Premier Calvert said. "We've heard
concerns about agriculture, health care and transportation but we've also
heard suggestions and ideas for making rural Saskatchewan a better place
for people to live and work.
"In Raymore agriculture, and in particular the plight of the farm family,
was the main issue," Calvert said. "In Radville people were asking about
high-speed internet access and in Weyburn health care was the topic of
discussion. These discussions and informal meetings will serve us well
when we are developing policy and our upcoming budget. "
In week two of the tour, the members visited Southey, Lestock, Kelliher,
Raymore, Govan, Strasbourg, Earl Grey, Bulyea, Cupar, Dysart, Lipton, Belle
Plaine, Moose Jaw, Claybank, Avonlea, Bengough, Ogema, Radville, Weyburn,
Milestone, Odessa, Qu'Appelle, Indian Head, Sintaluta, Kawacatoose First
Nation, Gordon's First Nation, Punnichy, Muskowekwan First Nation,
Ochapowace First Nation and Kahkewistahaw First Nation. The MLAs met with
business owners, town and RM councillors, health and school board members,
community leaders and the general public through informal gatherings.
This week the Premier and other government members will tour the east
central part of Saskatchewan, visiting Humboldt, Wadena, Wynyard, Canora,
Yorkton, Melville and other communities in the area.
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For more information, contact:
Carey Robertson
Media Services
Cell: (306) 539-1902