INDUSTRY PANEL LOOKS TO GROW IT SECTOR

Released on June 25, 2004

As part of the effort to build Saskatchewan's knowledge-based economy, Minister responsible for Information Technology Andrew Thomson, today announced the establishment of a Minister's Advisory Council on Information Technology. Led by the industry and academic sectors, the council's advice will help guide government information technology (IT) related decisions and policies.

"With our excellent, existing IT infrastructure and growing private industry and research sectors, information technology holds enormous potential for creating a climate of economic growth in Saskatchewan," Thomson said. "This Advisory Council will provide independent, expert advice on how best to tap that potential. Through collaboration and idea-sharing we can provide more efficient services to Saskatchewan citizens and grow our economy at the same time."

The Council's mandate focuses on four main areas:

· Capacity building – strengthening broadband infrastructure, education and job creation opportunities;

· Commercialization – promoting collaboration between researchers and industry;

· Capitalization – attracting private venture capital; and

· Citizen services – making it easier and more cost-effective for citizens to conduct e-business with government.

"This initiative signals government's confidence in the technology clusters already making a difference in Saskatchewan and a desire to build upon those successes," University of Regina President, Dr. David Barnard said. Barnard will chair the council.

In addition to Dr. Barnard, eight other leaders from Saskatchewan's business, finance, research, education and private IT sector have been named as members, including: Dr. Rick Bunt, Associate Vice-President of Information and Communications Technology at the University of Saskatchewan; Dr. Hugh Wood, Chief Operating Officer of the Saskatoon-based IT firm VCom; Grant Kook, CEO and Chairman of the Board of the Golden Opportunities Venture Capital Fund; Chris Krywulak, President and CEO of Regina-based iQmetrix; David Luterbach, President of Regina-based TMC; Dave Pettigrew, General Manager of IBM Canada's Saskatchewan operations; Garnette Weber, Executive Vice-President of Saskatoon-based Itracks; and Vlatka Tustonic, a Senior Business Development Advisor with the Saskatoon Health District.

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For More Information, Contact:

Art Newton Information Technology Office Regina Phone: (306)787-2215

Dr. David Barnard University of Regina Regina Phone: (306)585-4382