August 9, 1996
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

Minister announces new EDGE company

Charles J. Furey, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology, announced today that Nautical Data International, Inc. (NDI) has been granted Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) status.

NDI received EDGE status for its plans to expand operations related primarily to production and distribution of electronic charts required for use in an emerging marine navigation technology. These charts are being sold to the Canadian Hydrographic Service and other hydrographic services throughout the world.

In conjunction with Cabot College and Human Resources Canada, NDI designed a training program that to date has been delivered to 36 TAGS recipients, the majority of whom have been employed full-time by the company.

"This company is an example of what the EDGE program was designed to do - encourage private sector job creation and to diversify the economy," says Furey. "The EDGE legislation provides the incentive by creating a favourable business environment. In this case EDGE has created new jobs by allowing an existing company to expand."

NDI is a joint venture with C-map of Italy, which is the world's largest producer of electronic charts. NDI's clients include companies in the U.S., Chile, Italy and Germany. This venture is currently in operation and employs 40 people in the production phase.

Companies designated with EDGE status are eligible for tax holidays, start up incentives, Crown land for a nominal fee and access to a facilitator who will help obtain the required permits and licences associated with start up or expansion. To date, there are 31 companies in various stages of operation that have been granted EDGE status. Since the legislation was passed in January 1995, over 300 jobs have been created.

Contact:

     John Doody                         Patricia O'Leary
     Director of Public Relations       Vice President Administration
     Industry, Trade and Technology     NDI  
     (709) 729-0050                     (709) 576-0634