September 21, 1996
(Development and Rural Renewal)
 

Plum Point hosts ceremony officially establishing two regional economic development boards

Economic zones on the Great Northern Peninsula came together today at Plum Point as they signed agreements of support with the federal and provincial governments to officially launch their respective Regional Economic Development Boards (REDBs). The Red Ochre Regional Board hosted its neighbours to the north, the Nordic Economic Development Corporation, in this strategically situated community bordering both zones, to become the 11th and 12th zones to establish REDBs.

Gerry Byrne, MP - Humber-St. Barbe-Baie Verte on behalf of Lawrence MacAulay, Secretary of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) (Veterans Affairs), and Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, congratulated the volunteers of the peninsula for the endless work and dedication to their region of the province. They presented volunteers with certificates of appreciation as the steering committees that established the REDBs in each zone officially completed their work.

"This area is an example to all when it comes to community cooperation" said Mr. Byrne. "The history of the Great Northern Peninsula and community development includes a long series of collaborative ventures. Under this new structure such community enterprise will continue to be led by volunteers. What this new zone structure emphasizes, and is encouraging in all regions of the province, is the mutual support you are demonstrating here today."

In February of 1995 the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a new approach to regional economic development. This involved the creation of new community-based volunteer boards to support economic development planning and coordination within specific zones in the province. REDBs consist of representatives of municipalities, business, labour, community development groups, education and training institutions, as well as other interests within the zone.

"I am pleased to witness such cooperation, not only within but between the zones," said Ms. Foote. "This is the first region where two boards have come together in a joint ceremony. Today marks a significant step forward for economic development in this area of the province. The establishment of these boards will lead immediately to a more coordinated and strategic approach to economic development, resulting in new job opportunities and a stronger, more diversified economic base in these regions. I am confident that the leadership, energy and determination of these boards will lead to a bright and sustainable long-term future for the people and communities in this area."

Proposals to establish 18 REDBs have already been successfully negotiated. These agreements were negotiated considering the boards' workplans, as well as regional geography, population, number of communities and transportation networks. The southern Avalon Peninsula, which originally constituted one economic zone, has been split, and work has already begun at the community level to establish RED boards in zones 18 and 20.

Financial support for the economic zone process comes from the Canada/Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification Agreement which is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Contact:

Paul Murphy
COOPERATION Communications
(709) 772-0219

Susan Laite
Development and Rural Renewal
(709) 729-4570