Released on October 14, 2008
Saskatchewan co-operatives are celebrating Co-op Week, October 13-17, 2008, on the backdrop of a robust provincial economy.
Enterprise and Innovation Minister Lyle Stewart will today proclaim Saskatchewan Co-operative Week as the province's economic indicators in such areas as retail trade, wholesale trade, manufacturing shipments, international exports and building permits continued to post leading numbers among the provinces.
Federated Co-operatives Limited (FCL) recorded $5.8 billion in sales for the first eight months ending June 2008, a huge jump, compared to $3.4 billion for the same period last year. FCL is the umbrella body for Western Canada co-ops.
"The co-ops who are involved in virtually every economic sector in our province are reaping the benefits of a robust economy," Stewart said. "Co-ops have made and continue to make significant contributions to our economic development as they have been able to adapt, diversify and succeed in the fast changing economic times, to meet the needs of their members."
There are more than 1,100 co-operatives operating in virtually every economic and social sector including agricultural marketing and processing, community development, financial services, retail services, childcare, health care and recreation.
The Government of Saskatchewan also supports economic development and diversification in Saskatchewan through the development of new co-operatives and the Co-operative Development Assistance Program, which encourages and supports the development and expansion of co-operative enterprises.
Co-operatives currently provide jobs for 15,000 people, control tens of billions in assets, and represent more than 30 per cent of the province's top 100 businesses.
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For more information, contact:
Tim Tororey
Enterprise and Innovation
Regina
Phone: 306-798-0503
Email: tim.tororey@gov.sk.ca