Chamber survey picks the issues

In a recent survey conducted by the Yorkton Chamber of Commerce, Chamber members were asked to select from two lists the three issues they deemed to be of most importance facing the City of Yorkton and the 3 issues facing the province.

89% of the respondents indicated that the most important issue for the city is a commitment of funds from the provincial government to support Parkland College's Technology & Trades Centre of Excellence. Such a Centre will contribute not only to the regional economy but to the provincial one as well.

79% indicated that a commitment of funds from the provincial government to support the construction of a new Regional Health Facility was also an important issue for the city.

A commitment of support by the provincial government to increase economic development in Yorkton was selected by 73% of the respondents as the third most important issue for the city.

In terms of the issues facing the province, 89% of the respondents selected as the top issue a commitment to recruit and educate a skilled labour force in Saskatchewan. 73% indicated that ensuring there are adequate funds in the coffers of all the Crown Corporations for investment in future infrastructure needs was the second most important issue for the province. 70% indicated that the third most important issue for the province is responsible stewardship of the provincial budget.

Public Policy Chair Ron Irvine is impressed by the outcome of the survey. "The Public Policy committee identified several issues that it believed to be important to Yorkton's business community. The members have now ranked those for us."

Dolores Harris, Chamber President is pleased with the response to the survey. "As a Board, we have been seeking ways to engage the membership. This survey certainly achieved that by providing the membership with an opportunity for their input on the issues".

The Chamber encourages the Yorkton business community to discuss these issues with the candidates in the upcoming provincial election campaign.