Recommendation #1

Establish a stand-alone fund for the Northern Development Agreement, with funding criteria that matches the goals and objectives of the Agreement.  In order to attract investment, encourage innovation, and to focus on the key economic sectors, future project selection criteria will need to include applications from for-profit, private sector, groups which can benefit and contribute, as these are the engines of future economic development and growth in the North.   A single stand-alone fund would make strategic investments and alleviate administrative inefficiencies associated with finding an appropriate funding source. 

WD Response: The option of establishing a stand-alone fund is outside the scope of WD’s authority under the Western Diversification Program.  Funding criteria from other funding sources are established by those organizations.  If WD SK were given a mandate to develop another federal/provincial economic agreement, consideration would be given to various funding options, and the agreement’s collective management committee would monitor the structure and administration of the agreement.
Action Plan:  No action required.
Responsibility: Assistant Deputy Minister, WD SK
Date Due: n/a

Recommendation #2

Involve northern communities, northern leadership, and public and private sector representatives with an interest in northern development in the creation of a coordinated Strategic Plan for the North that identifies sectors with potential for strategic investment.  

WD Response:  WD SK agrees with the need for strategic investment in northern Saskatchewan and will work with northern communities, northern leadership, and public and private sector representativesto explore opportunities, either within or outside of a formal agreement.  If WD SK were given a mandate to develop another federal/provincial economic agreement, an appropriate strategic planning process would be identified, in consultation with key stakeholders.
Action Plan: WD is currently focusing on delivery of the existing NDA. 
Responsibility: Assistant Deputy Minister, WD SK
Date Due: March 31, 2008

Recommendation #3

Create a separate ‘Training and Capacity Building Program’ that focuses on localized, northern Saskatchewan training opportunities, human resource development and employment generation.  The management and administration of such a program could be placed within federal and provincial departments that identify human resource capacity building as their specific mandate.  (i.e. Service Canada, Saskatchewan Learning)

WD Response: Although greater numbers of residents were able to secure employment and access skills training than originally anticipated, WD SK acknowledges that a training and capacity building program would be better addressed by federal/provincial departments with a specific mandate in this area.
Action Plan: WD-SK will  inform lead training agencies of this recommendation.
Responsibility:  Director General, WD SK
Date Due: immediately

Recommendation #4

Ensure that training, education and employment project contracts incorporate a participant follow-up requirement that tracks employment results. 

WD Response: Agreed.  WD is strengthening reporting requirements and improving consistencies among funding recipients in all its programs. If WD SK were given a mandate to develop another federal/provincial economic agreement, WD SK would incorporate a participant follow-up component in all relevant project-reporting activities.
Action Plan: strengthen reporting requirements in all projects
Responsibility: Director General, WD SK
Date Due: immediately

Recommendation #5

Establish a set of ‘Administrative Performance and Service Standards’ that outline timelines for project selection, proponent communication, payment procedures, reporting templates and contracting standards. 

WD Response: Agreed. WD is setting service standards and implementing performance measurements in all its programs.  If WD SK were given a mandate to develop another federal/provincial economic agreement, WD SK would determine appropriate performance and service standards, and require the agreement’s management committee to monitor and report back on the structure and administration of the agreement.
Action Plan:  Establish administrative performance measurements and client service standards in all programs
Responsibility: Director General, WD SK
Date Due: immediately

Recommendation #6

Include organizational representatives (current NDBC Board structure) in the annual/bi-annual creation of a Strategic Investment Strategy for Northern Saskatchewan, but not in the NDBC’s day-to-day working operations and functions. 

WD Response:  WD-SK agrees with the need for strategic investment in the north. If WD SK were given a mandate to develop another federal/provincial economic agreement, the appropriate strategic planning process would  be identified, in consultation with northern key stakeholders, including the NDBC organizational representatives.
Action Plan: No action required
Responsibility: Director General, WD SK
Date Due: n/a

Recommendation #7

Provide greater support to communities in the assessment of economic opportunity and development of strategic economic projects.  Involve individuals who are currently employed as economic development officers in northern communities, to support the NDBC’s day-to-day operations and functions including, project review, due diligence, community awareness building, proposal preparation, and strategic advisory support.

WD Response:  WD-SK agrees with the need for strategic investment in northern Saskatchewan and will continue to work with northerners to explore opportunities, either within or outside of a formal agreement.  If WD SK were given a mandate to develop another federal/provincial economic agreement, an appropriate strategic planning and engagement process would be identified, and individuals who are currently employed as economic development officers in northern communities would be involved.
Action Plan: No action required
Responsibility: Director General, WD SK
Date Due: n/a