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September 26, 1996
(COOPERATION Agreement)

 

Humber Economic Development Board officially launched

The Humber Economic Development Board was officially launched today in Deer Lake as representatives of the federal and provincial governments gathered with community volunteers and leaders to enter into a one-year agreement of support for the activities of the board.

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, took the opportunity at today's ceremony to highlight the work of the volunteers who led the process in the Humber region.

"Economic development in this province is taking a positive turn," said Mr. Byrne. "The level of cooperation being brought to bear on regional development efforts is considerable and bodes well for the prospects of success. The diverse resources and skills within regions have not been utilized effectively by government in the past. That is all changing. You are integrating local development perspectives, and you will be the ones directing governments' efforts in the future."

In February of 1995 the Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announced a new approach to regional economic development, as recommended by the Task Force on Community Economic Development. This involves the creation of new community-based volunteer boards to support economic development planning and coordination within specific zones in the province. These Regional Economic Development Boards (REDBs) consist of representatives of municipalities, business, labour, community development groups, education and training institutions, as well as other interests in the zone.

"The role of the Humber Economic Development Board is an important one for economic development in this area," said Ms. Foote. "The board will be involved in identifying, prioritizing and coordinating new development initiatives which will contribute to long-term job creation and a stronger, more diversified economic base. Through the partnerships formed among both levels of government, the Regional Economic Development Boards and the communities in the region, we are building a positive economic environment to stimulate new wealth and new jobs."

Proposals to establish 18 REDBs have already been successfully negotiated. These agreements were negotiated considering the boards' work plan, 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 Regional Economic Development Boards in zones 18 and 20.

Financial support for the economic zone process comes from the Canada/Newfoundland Strategic Regional Diversification COOPERATION 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

1996 09 26 4:00 p.m.

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