During a visit to St. Anthony today Premier Brian Tobin took part in ceremonies which he said reflect the economic development potential of the region. In addition to a federal-provincial announcement regarding funding for the Grenfell Interpretation Centre, the premier participated in a ribbon cutting highlighting the interconnection of 23 communities with the island power grid. He also announced that a company located on the Great Northern Peninsula has received EDGE status.

A ribbon cutting ceremony recognized the interconnection in September of 23 communities, on the Upper Northern Peninsula, to Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro's island power grid. Premier Tobin said: "I am pleased that $5 million could be provided under the Infrastructure Works Agreement to see this $31.8 million project to its completion. This is another example of how partnerships involving the federal and provincial governments can contribute to industrial and infrastructure developments in rural regions of the province. In light of the success of the first infrastructure program, I hope we can pursue another agreement with the federal government in the future."

The interconnection will result in lower electrical rates for customers in the affected communities and will be beneficial for commercial enterprises.

The premier also announced EDGE status for Chianti Food Processors Inc.. Chianti is the first business located on the Great Northern Peninsula to be designated under the province's Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises program. "With the 30 jobs to be created by Chianti, the EDGE program has created over 1,100 jobs in this province in its first three years," the premier said. "This reflects well on our attempts to generate new economic activity for the province, especially for our rural areas."

Chianti, an Ontario-based company, will operate a value-added secondary processing facility at the former FPI plant in St. Anthony. Initially, they will produce stuffed squid (calamari) and stuffed seppia (cuttlefish) for markets in North America, Europe and Australia.

Premier Tobin commended the people of St. Anthony and Chianti for their commitment in getting this operation established. "This experience shows that smaller towns in rural Newfoundland can be very successful in attracting new opportunities. It demonstrates that Newfoundland and Labrador is a good place in which to live, work and invest."

Contact: Heidi Bonnell, (709) 729-3570.