I was pleased to attend an event in Prince Albert recently where Prime Minister Stephen Harper announced that the federal government will provide Saskatchewan with $36.4 million as part of the new national Community Development Trust.

We created the program to help provinces and territories lend a hand to communities with workers who suffer from economic hardship caused by uncertain global financial and commodities markets.

Prime Minister Harper was joined by Saskatchewan Premier Brad Wall to celebrate the newly minted cohesion between the federal and provincial governments.

“I am pleased to announce that Saskatchewan’s new government has agreed to be a partner in the Community Development Trust,” said Prime Minister Harper. “This major new national initiative will support provincial and territorial efforts to help communities and workers buffeted by international economic turbulence that is beyond their control.”

The Government of Saskatchewan has identified several funding priorities that qualify for Community Development Trust funding. These sectors include biofuels and sustainable energy development, infrastructure, and support for communities affected by forestry sector layoffs.

“While the Saskatchewan economy is strong, there are sectors and regions that can definitely benefit from strategic investment from the federal government,” said Premier Wall. “We want to see the current economic boom being experienced in this province turned into long-term prosperity and growth for all Saskatchewan people.”

The Community Development Trust will be funded with $1 billion from the projected 2007-08 budgetary surplus. A base amount of $10 million will be allocated to each participating province and $3 million to each participating territory. The balance of the funding will be allocated on a per capita basis.

The Trust will have a three-year lifespan starting as soon as Parliament approves the required legislation. The Government of Saskatchewan will administer its Trust funding according to Canada’s obligations under the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Softwood Lumber Agreement, and the World Trade Organization.

“In last fall’s throne speech, we responded to what we heard from our M.P.s in all regions of the country and promised more action to stand up for workers and communities in traditional industries,” said Prime Minister Harper. “Working together, Ottawa and all the provinces and territories can turn the economic challenges we face today into economic opportunities for all Canadians tomorrow.”

It’s heartening to see the federal and Saskatchewan governments back on track, and it bodes well for the people who live, work and play in our province.

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