Saskatchewan. Dept. of Northern Saskatchewan

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Saskatchewan. Dept. of Northern Saskatchewan

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The Department of Northern Saskatchewan (D.N.S.) was established on May 1, 1972. It was created based on a commitment made by the Government to the people of northern Saskatchewan to create a single agency that would facilitate the development and administration of programs and services tailored to the needs of the north. Central offices for the D.N.S. were located in La Ronge, and its jurisdiction was the Northern Administration District. The following deputy ministers were responsible for the department throughout its history: J. W. Churchman (1972-1974); M.B. Derrick (1974); Douglas F. McArthur (1974-1975); Marcel L'Heureux (Acting 1975-1976; 1976-1979); J.B. Stobbs (Acting 1979); R.L. Purdie (1979-1983); and Peter Van Es (1983-1984).

Responsibilities were transferred from the following government departments to the D.N.S. between May 1972 and April 1973: Natural Resources; Mineral Resources; Education; Social Services; Co-operatives; Public Health; Agricultures; and Government Services. Throughout much of its history, the department was organized based on four key areas: economic and resource development; project management; social development; and support services.

Economic and resource development initiatives created by the department encouraged growth and prosperity for the people of the north. Branches were devoted to the management, protection and development of resources including fisheries, forestry and agricultural lands; the promotion of tourism and recreational opportunities; and human resource development through the Prospectors' Incentive Plan and the Colleges Branch (later known as the Northern Continuing Education Branch).

Project management related to the development, construction and maintenance of public and private infrastructure in the north. Branches of the department devoted to project management included the Construction and Maintenance Branch; Northern Housing Branch; Engineering Services Branch; Municipal Facilities Branch and Central Services Branch.

Social Development focused on academic education of youth, social services, and public health services. Programs and services were provided through the Academic Education Branch; the Social Services Branch; and the Health Services Branch. By 1980, the Northern Continuing Education Branch was also included in the social development realm.

Support services included those services that benefited the people of the north, and those that assisted the department itself. External support services were provided through the Northern News Branch (later known as the Extension Services Branch); the Northern Air Services Branch; Field Services Branch; and the administration of Saskatchewan Northlands Agreement subsidies. Internal support services included administrative services; personnel and training; financial services; an office for legislation and regulations; planning and research; and the department's Crown solicitor.

The Department of Northern Saskatchewan was disestablished on July 16, 1984. This marked the conclusion of a nearly two-year process of functions and responsibilities of the department being realigned and transferred back to other government departments.

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