Released on September 10, 2004
Six provincial cabinet ministers met leaders of northern communities in La Ronge today to discuss ways to enhance the provincial-municipal relationship and improve the quality of life of people living in northern Saskatchewan.The Northern Municipal Roundtable was co-chaired by Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger, Government Relations Minister Len Taylor, and Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities Chair Dale McAuley.
"Our continuing dialogue with community leaders in the north is essential to identifying and addressing the issues affecting northern people," Belanger said.
"The participation of six provincial ministers at today's meeting demonstrates that northern communities and peoples are an important priority of this government," Taylor said. "The north is a vital part of Saskatchewan's society and economy, and addressing the issues of northerners will help ensure a healthy, prosperous future for all Saskatchewan people."
Areas of discussion included services for youth, housing support programs, road maintenance and transportation, northern economic development, the cleanup of abandoned mines and municipal infrastructure funding.
"Face-to-face meetings among northern and provincial elected officials are the best way to identify changes that benefit northern communities," McAuley said. "We appreciate that so many provincial ministers and officials have come here today to discuss the issues of importance to northern people."
The Northern Municipal Roundtable brings the mayors of all towns, villages and hamlets in northern Saskatchewan together with ministers and officials from provincial government departments and agencies. The Roundtable allows northern elected officials and provincial ministers to discuss a variety of issues of mutual interest.
Cabinet Ministers in attendance included: Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford; Culture Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty; Highways and Transportation Minister Maynard Sonntag; Northern Affairs Ministers Buckley Belange; Environment Minister David Forbes; and Government Relations Minister Len Taylor.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Maureen Boyle Government Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Regina Phone: (306) 787-5959 |