Released on January 24, 2005
Saskatchewan has a strong resource future, according to leaders in the forestry, potash, oil and gas, wind power and diamond industries.Speaking in front of hundreds of people gathered for Saskatchewan's Centennial Summit, Kensington Resources President Robert McCallum said Saskatchewan houses the largest rock-containing diamond field in the world.
"Diamonds! A resource so large that it could easily swallow up all other kimberlites in existence!" McCallum said. "Kensington Resources is currently looking at the feasibility of developing a diamond mine in Saskatchewan.
"The anticipated diamond mine will contribute to Saskatchewan's future prosperity. Besides jobs, the potential diamond mine will strengthen the provincial economy and enhance socio-economic development related to an improved quality of life for local residents."
"Saskatchewan also has significant gas resources," Profico Energy President Clayton Woitas said. "Saskatchewan's Shackelton Gas field increased Saskatchewan reserves by 20 per cent. It will provide significant economic benefits to provincial residents."
But gas and diamonds are not the only resources abundant in Saskatchewan. Wind power is also being touted as a resource of the future.
Enbridge Wind Power President Chuck Szmurlo said that wind power is a key natural Saskatchewan resource that will provide environmental, economic and energy security benefits for the people of the province. He forecasts that wind power will be an important energy source for the next 100 years.
Mosaic Vice President of Potash Operations Norm Beug says Saskatchewan's potash reserve will also last at least 100 years.
"The potash industry will be here to celebrate the next Saskatchewan centennial," Beug said.
Forestry is also seen an important resource for the province in its next century.
"Saskatchewan currently has two of the largest, most modern oriented strand board mills on the continent," Weyerhaeuser Canada's Manager of Sustainability and Stewardship of the Canadian Forestlands Steve Smith said. Smith believes Saskatchewan can continue to flourish in the future with a more global approach to business development.
He also commended Saskatchewan for the work industry members and communities have done in building relationships, especially with the aboriginal communities.
"I'm proud of the partnerships that the forest industry has forged with First Nations and Metis peoples in Saskatchewan," Smith said. "Looking ahead I see not only Aboriginal People employed in the forest industry but also more Aboriginal People who own businesses working in this industry."
All the speakers agree that Saskatchewan's future looks extremely bright if residents, communities, employers, employees and governments work in partnership to ensure the province is able to access the emerging opportunities both locally and globally.
"We need to work hard – and work together – to realize that potential but I have every confidence that we can succeed," Smith said.
-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Bob Ellis Industry and Resources Regina Cell: (306)539-6948 | Virginia Wilkinson Regina Cell: (306)530-9862 |