Enterprise Saskatchewan, a special operating and coordinating agency, will provide a bold and innovative approach to creating sustainable economic growth.  Enterprise Saskatchewan is based on a commitment to three core principles:

• Clear focus and alignment of policies throughout government to support growth
• Performance measurement and public accountability
• Stakeholder participation and collaborative decision-making

Enterprise Saskatchewan will establish industry-led Strategic Issues Councils to provide recommendations and advice to government on ways to enhance the competitive position of Saskatchewan's economy.  The Councils will play an important role in ensuring stakeholder collaboration and participation in policy-making and development of growth strategies. 

Strategic Issues Councils will provide advice to government on broad concerns that impact multiple sectors of the economy.  Individual Councils will concentrate on a central issue where strategic actions by government can improve the competitiveness of Saskatchewan's economy.  Councils will initially be established for the following issues:        

• Labour Force Development
  The Saskatchewan Labour Market Commission (SLMC), co-chaired by business and labour and with representation by post-secondary institutes, was established in spring 2007, to recommend strategies to develop the human resources essential to Saskatchewan's continuing growth and prosperity. The SLMC will provide linkages that will lead to a coordinated response by business, First Nations and Métis organizations, training institutions, and government to labour market issues and trends.
  
• Youth Entrepreneurship and Economic Engagement
  The Council will foster the development of a stronger entrepreneurial culture in Saskatchewan, and provide recommendations that will help Saskatchewan youth to gain the skills, experience, and motivation they need to become successful entrepreneurs. The Council will also make recommendations to encourage youth attraction, retention, and participation in the economy.
  
• Enhanced Business and Regulatory Services 
  A Council will provide advice on ways to reduce paper burden, and modernize and streamline the regulatory system to decrease compliance costs and uncertainty for business, without compromising public health and safety or the environment. The Council will also advise on opportunities to improve service delivery to business.
  
• High Performance Regional Development 
  A Council will develop strategies to encourage coordinated regional responses to economic opportunities and threats. They will also recommend tactics that Saskatchewan's regions can use to benefit from high growth sectors of the economy.
  
• Aboriginal Economic Development Partnerships 
  A Council will recommend options to promote the growth of Aboriginal enterprise and cultivate joint ventures and partnerships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal enterprises.

The Strategic Issues Councils will be accountable for identifying and reporting on the barriers to growth, making recommendations to remove barriers, prescribing prioritized action, and reporting on the progress on an annual basis. 

Each Strategic Issues Council, with support of Enterprise Saskatchewan staff, will:

• provide recommendations and advice for the removal and reduction of barriers to economic growth;
• define a common long-term vision;
• identify action plans;
• report on progress to the ES Board; and
• re-evaluate goals and activities on an annual basis.

The Strategic Issues Councils will meet quarterly or as determined by their members.  Meetings may be held anywhere in Saskatchewan at the discretion of the members.  The time commitment for Strategic Issues Councils is expected to be approximately four to eight days annually, which includes meetings, possible conference calls, and preparation time.  The time commitment is expected to be heaviest during the first year as the councils are being established.   

Enterprise Saskatchewan staff will provide coordination, facilitation, research, analyses, reporting, and administrative support to the Strategic Issues Councils.  Enterprise Saskatchewan may contract additional research and analytical services on behalf of the Councils.

Recommendations, prescribed actions, and progress reports will be provided through the chairperson to the ES Board and its CEO for consideration, review, and public reporting.  Policy recommendations endorsed by the Board will be submitted to Cabinet and the legislature for consideration and endorsement.