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Accord And Agreement Signed For Northern Saskatchewan
Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Works and Government Services and Federal Interlocutor for Métis and Non-Status Indians, along with Stephen Owen, Secretary of State (Western Economic Diversification) (Indian Affairs and Northern Development), today joined Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger, and Interim Northern Development Board Co-chairs Gary Merasty and Max Morin in the official signing of the Northern Development Accord and the $20-million Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement. The documents focus on strengthening and diversifying the province's northern economy.
The Northern Development Accord is a memorandum of understanding that will provide for the development of a strategic framework to guide the efforts of federal and provincial governments and northern communities to improve the living conditions and enhance the economic opportunities available to northerners. The first funded initiative under the Accord is the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement.
The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan will each commit $10 million to the five-year Agreement. The Agreement will provide opportunities for northerners to improve regional economic infrastructure, employment prospects through training and practical skill experience, educational and business expertise, research and industry innovation and the region's attraction of business investment.
"Today's signings are an important step toward achieving a long-term strategic vision for Northern Saskatchewan, especially since we are committing to the development of a vision for the north, by the north,
" said Minister Goodale. "With targeted local investments, we can generate real social and economic improvements in northern Saskatchewan.
"
"Along with our partners, we wish to foster sustainable economic development in northern Saskatchewan communities,
" said Secretary of State Owen. "At the heart of the federal government's support is the goal to work with Aboriginal people to improve their futures and thereby build a better future for Canada.
"
"Today's anouncement is about putting northern Saskatchewan communities in a position to take advantage of opportunities and attract investment, and reflects the work of Rick Laliberte, M.P. for Churchill River as a strong advocate for the region,
" said Allan Rock, Minister of Industry and minister responsible for Infrastructure.
"A $20 million agreement with $10 million each coming from provincial and federal governments is significant but the greater cause for celebration is that we have come together with northerners to mutually address northern needs,
" said Saskatchewan Northern Affairs Minister Buckley Belanger.
"The Northern Development Agreement is important to Saskatchewan's North. Better economic conditions will lead to better social conditions,
" said Mr. Merasty.
"Northern stakeholders have worked with the federal and provincial governments for many years to see the Accord and the Agreement become reality,
" said Mr. Morin. "It is very satisfying."
"This is a step forward in achieving greater self-reliance for northerners,
" said Keith Goulet MLA, Cumberland House. "Governments are increasing their understanding that northern problems require northern solutions.
"
A Management Committee will be formed to administer and manage the Agreement including review and approval of all projects. This committee will consist of two federal and two provincial government representatives and two members of the Northern Development Board (NDB). The NDB includes representatives from the Prince Albert Grand Council, Meadow Lake Tribal Council, Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Association of Northern Communities (New North), together with Athabasca First Nation Chiefs.
The Board will provide input in selecting projects undertaken under the Agreement. About $1 million will be accessed through the Agreement in this fiscal year with the remainder before the end of the Agreement in March 2007.
Federal funding for the Northern Development Agreement was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
For additional information, contact:
Heather Waldern Hinds
Acting Manager
Consultations, Marketing and Communications
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
(306) 975-5475
John Charlton
Director, Communications
Saskatchewan Northern Affairs
Regina, Saskatchewan
(306) 787-5061
WD Toll-Free Number:1-888-338-WEST (9378)
Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-877-303-3388
WD Website: www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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Backgrounder
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The Northern Development Accord is a Memorandum of Understanding between the Federal and Provincial governments- a framework or "umbrella" to co-operate and co-ordinate as well as develop a long-term strategic plan with the Northern Development Board.
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The Accord envisions a number of economic development initiatives that would fall within its framework- the Northern Development Agreement, is the first such initiative.
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The vision of the Accord is to ensure that Northerners possess the means to address the goals and aspirations they have for their communities, their families and themselves. The federal and provincial governments recognize that it will take a sustained effort to assist the Northerners with achieving this vision.
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The goals for the Accord are:
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to create a stronger, more diversified and sustainable northern economy;
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to enhance community and regional infrastructure;
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to strengthen education and training;
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to increase community self-reliance and strengthen northern leadership; and,
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to increase participation by northerners in the management and protection of the natural environment of northern Saskatchewan.
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- The federal and provincial governments will seek the advice and recommendations of the Northern Development Board on initiatives and priorities under the Accord. The parties will work co-operatively to develop the long-term strategic priorities of northerners.
Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement
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The purpose of the Canada-Saskatchewan Northern Development Agreement is to promote and support sustainable economic development for northern Saskatchewan and encourage the full participation of Northerners in the Saskatchewan economy.
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The Agreement includes funding of $20 million over a five-year period, cost shared equally by the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan.
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The Agreement will provide funding for projects that increase the economic development of Northern Saskatchewan in the areas of economic infrastructure, innovation, realizing employment opportunities, capacity building and investment attraction.
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Eligible project recipients must be legal entities that are:
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Non-profit corporations
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Post-secondary institutions, hospitals and regional health care centres engaged in research;
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Other provincial agencies or legal entities created by the provincial government, in circumstances where these organizations are in the best position to deliver projects.
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Individual commercial businesses or commercial activities will not be eligible for support under the Agreement except in circumstances where substantial benefits would be accrued to the community and where the activity is consistent with the objectives and priorities of the Agreement.
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A Management Committee will be formed to administer and manage the Agreement with representation from the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and the Northern Development Corporation Board.
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Once the committee is set up, it will be able to provide more detailed information about the application form and eligibility criteria.
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