Released on May 13, 2003
Criteria to obtain funding under the $20-million Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement is now in place.Announced in October 2002, the five-year agreement — funded with $10 million from both the federal and provincial governments — provides opportunities for northerners in five strategic priority areas including: economic infrastructure; innovation; realizing employment opportunities; capacity building and investment attraction.
To be eligible to obtain funding, applicants must be
• Non-profit organizations;
• Post-secondary education institutions and school divisions;
• Regional health authorities engaged in research; or
• Municipal governments and organizations under the control of a
municipality.
Commercial businesses or commercial activities are only eligible for funding if the northern community benefits substantially and the activity is consistent with the objectives and strategic priorities of the agreement. Other groups, such as boards, committees and First Nations organizations are encouraged to apply through a legal entity.
"We are drawing closer to generating more sustainable economic development in northern Saskatchewan," Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development) Stephen Owen said. "Through targeted local investments with our partners, we can help northerners stay in their communities to take advantage of an improved quality of life."
To apply for the first round of funding under the agreement, interested applicants will be asked to complete the Northern Development Agreement – Statement of Intent. The deadline for statements of intent is June 13th, 2003.
The statement of intent package is available at the Northern Development Board Corporation (NDB) office in La Ronge; Visions North Community Futures Development Corporation in La Ronge; Beaver River Community Futures Development Corporation in Meadow Lake; the 35 northern municipality offices; regional development organizations; the Meadow Lake Tribal Council and the Prince Albert Grand Council band offices.
NDB CEO Dean Desjarlais, appointed in April 2003, is the first point of contact for project applicants and requests for information for the agreement. The agreement's tripartite management committee will screen applications and, if accepted, full proposals must be submitted to Mr. Desjarlais by July 25th, 2003.
The statement of intent package is also available to download from the Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Web site (www.northern.gov.sk.ca) as well as the Western Economic Diversification Canada's Web site (www.wd.gc.ca).
"Northerners are anxious to see the benefits of this historic Agreement become reality quickly," Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger said. "In this case, it is not only the projects but how they are chosen that is important."
The Northern Development Board officially opened its new office space April 1st, 2003 in the Kitsaki Management Limited Partnership building. The board will use the location to carry out its work under the agreement.
"With each passing day we draw closer to the implementation of projects funded under the Northern Development Agreement," Chairperson of the Northern Development Board Corp Al Rivard stated. "We are eager to begin receiving proposals and investing funds into the development of the North."
The agreement's Tripartite Management Committee consists of two representatives from each of the federal government, the provincial government and the NDB. The committee administers and manages the agreement, including reviewing all projects.
The NDB includes representatives from the Prince Albert Grand Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Métis Nation - Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North), together with Athabasca First Nation Chiefs.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Dean Desjarlais CEO, Northern Development Board La Ronge Phone: (306)425-2444 Email: ceo.ndbc@sasktel.net | John Charlton Northern Affairs Regina Phone: (306)787-5061 Email: jcharlton@sna.gov.sk.ca Cell: (306)539-6771 |