PROVINCE INVESTS $65.5 MILLION IN NORTHERN ROAD STRATEGY

Released on November 23, 2005

Premier Lorne Calvert announced today the most significant investment in transportation infrastructure for northern Saskatchewan in the province's history.

The province will invest $65.5 million, over five years, in Roads to Prosperity – Saskatchewan's Northern Economic Infrastructure Strategy, to provide the economic and social connections northern citizens need for future prosperity.

"This visionary plan is the key to unlocking the vast potential of northern Saskatchewan," Calvert said. "Our new northern transportation network will not only allow for the free flow of goods, services and people that are the lifeblood of social and economic development; it will also involve northern communities and industry in the advancement of a skilled labour force. How the road is built is as important as the road itself."

The Northern Economic Infrastructure Strategy, developed by Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation at the request of Premier Calvert, is based on four key pillars:

• Providing lasting employment in the north through "capacity building" that will help generate a skilled and efficient labour force;

• Upgrading existing roads and airports, and building new infrastructure to develop a principle northern road system that serves as the core network for northern Saskatchewan, and improves connections to the broader provincial transportation system;

• Enhancing community access to the principle northern system; and

• An innovative financing strategy that will leverage the province's $65.5 million commitment to generate additional investments from the federal government and industry partners.

Major projects include:

• The construction of an all-weather road between La Loche and Fort McMurray, announced by Premier Lorne Calvert and Alberta Premier Ralph Klein on Sept. 15th; and

• All-weather roads to be developed in the Athabasca Basin.

In addition to connecting people with jobs, and industries with resources, northern roads allow families to reach broader education and healthcare services, and link communities with each other and the world.

"Now is the time, in this our centennial year, to connect our northern residents to the rest of the province, advancing their social and economic development opportunities," Calvert said. "In so doing, this strategy will generate prosperity not only for the north, but the province as a whole."

Additional details of Roads to Prosperity – Saskatchewan's Northern Economic Infrastructure Strategy, will be released to residents, communities and stakeholders when the premier visits the North on December 19th, 2005.

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For More Information, Contact:

Doug Wakabayashi Highways and Transportation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4804 Cell: (306) 536-9692