Released on October 18, 2006
The Action Committee on the Rural Economy (ACRE) today presented the Province with its Monitoring Committee Final Report examining government's response to ACRE's recommendations for revitalizing Saskatchewan's rural economy.The report details which recommendations have been satisfactorily implemented and which require further government attention. Priority recommendations have been grouped into theme areas including: immigration; co-ordination and skill development; infrastructure; taxation; business and labour; Crown land use; and value-added agriculture.
"ACRE has noted significant progress in the government's response to our recommendations," ACRE co-chair Audrey Horkoff said. "The Monitoring Committee considers many of the recommendations complete. That being said, some items remain outstanding and require further action."
"This government is committed to making life better for all Saskatchewan families," Deputy Premier and Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Minister Clay Serby said. "I want to thank ACRE for their dedication. Their work is helping to build a stronger economy and make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada for people to live, work and raise a family."
ACRE now enters a new phase of work which focuses on defining and enhancing community, and on developing small business and entrepreneurship. ACRE's Phase III work will place attention on the increasingly important role of Aboriginal people in shaping Saskatchewan's future economy and workforce.
"Communities are a vital part of this province, and our vision is to see dynamic, diverse, sustainable communities that contribute to a prosperous rural economy in Saskatchewan," Serby said. "Enhancing business opportunities is also key to our future. I look forward to ACRE's continued work in these areas."
Formed in 2000 to advise government, industry and rural communities on how to stimulate development in rural Saskatchewan, ACRE's mandate has allowed the committee to engage rural Saskatchewan in ongoing dialogue about the challenges and opportunities in the rural economy. Its members, more than 40 people from all over Saskatchewan, have submitted more than 200 recommendations to government since the group's inception.
ACRE's Monitoring Committee report is available at http://www.recd.gov.sk.ca/acre/.
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For More Information, Contact:
| Donna Rehirchuk Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Regina Phone: (306) 787-2359 | Audrey Horkoff Action Committee on the Rural Economy Kamsack Phone: (306) 542-7630 |