The following statement was issued today by Judy Foote, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. It was also erad in the House of Assembly:

Future of telecentres in the province

Mr. Speaker:

I wish to clarify for the benefit of the House and the general public of government's intent with respect to the future operation of the five telecentres in the province. Some concern has been raised in the media as to the future of the telecentres.

The federal and provincial governments have supported five telecentres in the province over the past seven years. These centres are located in Trepassey, Clarenville, Baie Verte, Stephenville and Forteau, and provide a range of economic and business development services through the use of information technology.

Mr. Speaker:

The federal and provincial governments remain committed to the provision of small business and economic development support services throughout the province. We are currently reviewing means by which those services delivered through the five telecentres can be extended to all 20 economic zones in the province through partnerships with other federal, provincial and community based organizations.

This may mean that the organizational structures that currently exist may have to change in order that those services deemed important to economic and small business development can be maintained and indeed be extended to serve all areas of the province more effectively. In times where financial resources are limited, it is incumbent upon all of us to consider more efficient means to provide public service. This review will be completed within 90 days. No changes in the operation of the five telecentres will be made during this period.