Released on November 30, 2006
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will invest more than $4.4 million for eight training and skills development projects, one road construction project and one business plan project through the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement (NDA).The Honourable Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification, Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Minister Joan Beatty and Northern Development Board Corporation Chair Al Rivard announced funding for the projects today.
"Canada's New Government is committed to developing and supporting economic growth across this country," said Carol Skelton, Minister of National Revenue and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Today, we are honouring this commitment by investing in ten important projects to provide the people of Saskatchewan with the tools, support and opportunities they need to be inspired, grow and succeed."
"With the Northern Development Agreement, we are making important investments in northern Saskatchewan; investments that will create opportunities for northerners and improve our quality of life," Beatty said. "Skills training, road infrastructure and economic development will help improve the quality of life for northern families and build a better future for the young people in northern Saskatchewan."
"As we near the completion of the term of the Northern Development Agreement, sound, practical investments such as the ones announced today give reason for further collaboration between the two levels of government and northerners, as represented by the Northern Development Board Corporation," Northern Development Board Corporation Chair Al Rivard said. "Investments such as these provide northerners the opportunity to enjoy better infrastructure, better education and overall a better life in northern Saskatchewan – a fundamental principle of the Northern Development Agreement."
In addition to $4.4 million in NDA funding, the clients and other partners are investing an additional $1.7 million into these projects, which include:
Business Plan Project
• An integrated marketing and business development plan for a Saskatchewan-based fish processing plant for northern fishers.
Training and Skills Development
• Chemical technologist training delivered in La Ronge;
• A mobile training unit for trades education in northern Saskatchewan;
• Advising and preparing northwest students for apprenticeship careers;
• Heavy equipment operator training;
• Continuing care assistant training, particularly in La Loche;
• Management Studies training delivered in Île-á-la-Crosse;
• Physiotherapy assistant training; and
• Skills training in eight trades areas, including oil field safety and heavy duty mechanics.
Road Construction
• Highway improvements for Highway 905 in the Athabasca basin.
The Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement is providing $20 million over five years (2002-2007) for economic development initiatives in northern Saskatchewan.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Mike Winterburn Minister's Office Ottawa Phone: 613-995-2960 | Scott Boyes Saskatchewan Northern Affairs La Ronge Phone: 306-425-6669 Email: sboyes@sna.gov.sk.ca Cell: 306-425-8869 |
Heather Waldern-Hinds Western Economic Diversification Canada Saskatoon Phone: 306-975-5475 | Dean Desjarlais Northern Development Board La Ronge Phone: 306-425-2444 |