Regional Economic and Co-operative Development Department

RECD's 2005-06 Annual Report

Effective April 1, 2006, the Department of Rural Development (RD) became the Department of Regional Economic and Co-operative Development (RECD) with the mandate “to lead, coordinate and implement policies, strategies and programs that stimulate and facilitate regional economic development. The Department provides entrepreneurs, small businesses, co-operatives, organizations and communities with services and advice which focus on business information, opportunities, business retention and expansion, and strategic partnerships”. The Department continues to share responsibility for The Rural Development Act and The Economic and Co-operative Development Act.

The Department works closely with stakeholders and others in identifying, facilitating, and supporting rural economic development efforts in all sectors. Key stakeholder groups include: Saskatchewan Co-operatives Association, Minister’s Co-operative Advisory Council, REDAs, REDA Working Group, Small Business Loans Associations, NDOs, and the ACRE to name a few.

The Honourable Clay Serby is the Minister responsible for Regional Economic and Co-operative Development (biography).

RECD has three main thrusts:

Investment Programs

Small Business Loans Associations can access an interest-free line of credit, from which SBLAs provide loans of up to $15,000 to new and existing businesses. This programming targets businesses who may not be able to access necessary funds to start, improve, or expand their businesses. Currently, there are over 230 active SBLAs throughout the province.

Youth Opportunities Unleashed Program, established in June 2004, targets 18-30 year olds with mentoring and training programs in addition to providing SBLA loan access. Young entrepreneurs are targeted with programming designed to enhance skills needed for the long-term success of their business enterprise.

Program Development and Operations

Staff, located in eight centres throughout the province, provide counseling, assessment, information, pathfinding and referral services to facilitate and encourage business development and community economic development.

Saskatchewan has a strong co-operative sector of approximately 1,200 co-operatives and credit unions, which range from small community service organizations to some of Saskatchewan’s largest businesses. The Department supports the promotion and development of new and expanding co-operatives through technical assistance and administration of the Co-operative Development Assistance Program.

RECD provides funding to the 28 Regional Economic Development Authorities in the province. REDAs access grant funding, based on matching dollars, to provide economic development services and undertake economic development projects in their regions. Since their inception in 1992, REDAs have become strong, grassroots-driven, regional organizations who have pooled their community resources, engaged in strategic partnerships with key economic stakeholders, and developed action plans to drive economic development activities in their regions.

Saskbiz.ca is the website for Saskatchewan’s community and regional profiles, which provides a valuable tool for supporting investment attraction, site selection, and business and community economic development in rural Saskatchewan. RECD provides support and maintenance of the site.

The CSBSC is a joint partnership between the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan to provide information and referrals on government programs, services and activities to new and existing businesses including an extensive database and website. Saskatchewan’s main CSBSC site is located at the Saskatoon Region Enterprise Center, which is managed by RECD. There are also 16 Regional Access Partners across Saskatchewan.

Saskatchewan Made Program assists Saskatchewan manufacturers in identifying their products as “Saskatchewan Made”. Programming profiles products that are produced from materials made or grown in Saskatchewan while promoting the province’s products and expertise.

Neighbourhood Development Organizations focus on strategies that build community and resident capacity. The majority of initiatives undertaken by the four active NDOs in Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Regina, and Moose Jaw are in the areas of housing, training and employment. RECD provides funding support for NDO initiatives.

Policy and Planning

RECD analyzes, develops, and provides input into rural economic policies and programs within government. The Department also supports ACRE and works with Departments, Crowns and agencies in analyzing and implementing ACRE’s recommendations.

Department Plan
Regional Economic and Co-operative Development is currently developing a new strategic plan appropriate to its mandate during the 2006-07 fiscal year. This plan will be posted on the Department's website when it becomes available.