Notes for an address by

The Honourable Lynne Yelich
Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification

Funding Announcement

Check Against Delivery

Thank you, Russ.

Minister Harrison, Mr. Cross...  Good morning.  I’m pleased to join you today as Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. 

WaterWolf Economic Developments Inc. has achieved remarkable success in improving community planning practices since its incorporation in 2005. It has also successfully collaborated with different levels of government to attract investments to the region.

In 2009, WaterWolf’s Lake Diefenbaker Tourism Destination Area Plan won the 2009 Economic Development Award of Excellence for Regional Partnership from the Saskatchewan Economic Development Association. This high-quality product is why, in August 2009, I announced $250,000 to help WaterWolf Economic Development continue its work in the Lake Diefenbaker area.

The advisory planning commission being launched today is an outcome of WD’s recent investment. WD supported the WaterWolf project because it complements the Government of Canada’s objectives to create a strong, prosperous economy and assist communities in making sound decisions for future economic growth. 

The launch of the planning commission is WaterWolf’s next step to help Lake Diefenbaker-area local governments have a coordinated, coherent and sustainable approach to development in the region — an approach that will attract investors and, in turn, further diversify the area’s economy.

Canada’s prosperity depends not just on meeting today’s challenges, but on building the dynamic economy that will create opportunities and better jobs for Canadians in the future.

As WaterWolf understands, the best solutions to the diverse challenges confronting Canada’s communities are often found locally.

Every day, the power of innovation is seen at work in communities across the country, as citizens, businesses and not-for-profit groups join forces to tackle local problems.

Let me give you another local example. Over the past year, the South Saskatchewan River Irrigation District, Riverhurst Irrigation District and Luck Lake Irrigation District have received a federal investment of over $5.5 million through the Community Adjustment Fund — part of Canada’s Economic Action Plan — to expand the region’s irrigation capacity by 15,000 acres.These projects will directly affect five communities and eight municipalities. They will create 60 long-term sustainable jobs in the local agriculture industry plus 223 long-term jobs associated with supporting and servicing the industry.

As you can see, WD and the Government of Canada help communities increase their economic opportunities and their capacity to be able to respond to challenges. We invest in community-driven projects and other initiatives designed to stimulate the economy.

WD also provided almost $748,000 to rehabilitate the bridge at Outlook’s River Square Park to accommodate pedestrians through the Community Adjustment Fund. A new trail will be developed on the west side of the river to complete a circular hiking route as part of WaterWolf’s tourism destination plan.
WD also partners with Community Futures Development Corporations across the West, like Mid-Sask CFDC, one of the founding members of WaterWolf Economic Developments. By supporting the CFDCs we are supporting community and business development.

Each CF delivers a variety of services ranging from strategic economic planning, technical and advisory services to businesses, loans to small and medium-sized businesses, and services targeted to youth and entrepreneurs with disabilities.

Between April 2009 and March 2010, Mid-Sask provided three loans worth $114,000, trained 58 clients, undertook six new community economic development projects and assisted with five community planning exercises.

I want to congratulate Mid-Sask CFDC for its foresight in being at the forefront of regional development in the province through the WaterWolf Advisory Planning Commission. In working towards a desired future you are balancing growth with conservation and sustainability.

Canada is poised to emerge from the recent recession powered by one of the strongest economies in the industrialized world.

Projects and initiatives such as the WaterWolf Advisory Planning Commission and its Growth Management Plan are among the building blocks and the tools we can use to ensure the West remains strong. Because a stronger West means a stronger Canada.

Thank you.