May 30, 1996
(Industry Trade and Technology)

The following statement was issued today by Rex Gibbons, Minister of Mines and Energy. It was also read in the House of Assembly;

On behalf of my colleague, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, I rise to announce that effective today, the Canadian Manufacturers Association will merge with the Canadian Exporters Association to form a new businessW organization to be called the Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters Canada.

Due to the historical significance of these two organizations and the major role they have played in the economic development of the country, a similar statement is being made today in the House of Commons by the federal Minister of Industry Canada, John Manley, as well as other provincial industry ministers in legislatures across the country.

Manufacturing and exporting have always been closely linked. As trade barriers fall, Canadian companies are developing, producing and exporting quality products to the rest of the world. In short, we continue to succeed in a fiercely competitive global marketplace. The union of these two associations that have played a significant role over the years in achieving that success will result in a stronger organization with an international focus.

This merger makes good business sense and will benefit Canadian companies, including many here in Newfoundland and Labrador.

It is important to note that the Chairman of the Canadian Manufacturers Association at this significant juncture is a Newfoundlander - Lorne Janes, current Chairman of the Newfoundland Manufacturers' Association.

Manufacturing continues to play a key role in developing our economy. Newfoundland and Labrador is leading the country in manufacturing shipments for the first quarter of this year, an increase of 14 per cent. Manufacturing shipments comparatively for the country are down slightly for the first quarter.

It is also important to acknowledge the contribution of George Lee who has been Chairman of the Newfoundland chapter of the Canadian Exporters Association for the past three years.

We thank the Canadian Exporters Association and the Canadian Manufacturers Association for their past work and wish the new organization, the Alliance of Manufacturers & Exporters Canada, the very best in the future. We look forward to working with them