SASKATOON (Staff) – An advisory group has been formed to develop a new trade organization for Saskatchewan.
Last week economic development minister Dwain Lingenfelter appointed the committee members, who were given the task of enhancing the province’s interprovincial and international trade. The committee is a result of consultations with exporters, who gave support for a more focused marketing effort, and a trade organization directed by industry.
Committee recommendations are expected later this fall and a new organization could be in place by spring.
“Saskatchewan is a province that depends heavily on trade,” said Lingenfelter. “A full 40 percent of our gross domestic product is sold out of province, with two-thirds going into the international market.”
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The 17-member committee is chaired by former Sask Wheat Pool chief executive officer Milt Fair.
Other members, from various businesses, organizations and commodity groups, are: Frank Hart, Brian Andrews, Wayne Clifton, Trevor Cochrane, Hartley Furtan, Don Loewen, Wayne Lorch, Russ Pratt and Cy Scheske, all of Regina; Steven Dechka, Murray McLaughlin, Jim Morris and David Reid of Saskatoon; Jim Carnago of Englefeld; Bep Hamer of Swift Current; and Robert Hawkins of Humboldt.
