PROVINCE CELEBRATES CO-OP WEEK

Released on October 18, 2004

Co-operatives and credit unions have been a major part of Saskatchewan's social and economic fabric for more than 100 years. The week of October 17th-23rd has been declared Co-operatives Week in Saskatchewan to recognize the significant role of co-operatives and credit unions in the province.

The week, also celebrated nationally, will pay tribute to the services provided by co-operatives and credit unions. The co-op movement provides a wide-range of services including value-added agriculture, retail, finance, insurance, housing, and daycare services in communities across the province.

"Our province has strong co-operative roots and a Saskatchewan tradition of working together collectively," Industry and Resources Minister Eric Cline said. "Co-operatives are directly responsible for enhancing the quality of life in rural and urban Saskatchewan on an economic and a social level."

On Monday, October 18th, the week kicks off when Cline, representatives of the Saskatchewan Co-operative Association, and co-operative members officially raise the international co-operative rainbow flag at the Legislative Building. This year's theme is "Youth – the Future of Co-operation."

Highlight of the week's celebrations is the annual Saskatchewan Co-operative Merit Awards ceremony to be held in Regina on Monday evening.

Awards will be presented to Kenneth Bender of Melville, Elwood Harvey of Saskatoon, Maurice Kostichuk of Insinger, Eugene Krepakevich of Yorkton, Rudolph Leiter Jr. of Goodsoil, and Marvin Wiens of Wymark.

The 1,200 co-operatives and credit unions in the province have combined assets of over $10 billion and employ about 15,000 people. More than half of Saskatchewan people belong to at least one co-op or credit union. The co-operative sector represents 28 of the province's 100 top businesses.

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For More Information, Contact:

Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Phone: (306) 787-1691