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The following statement was issued today by Premier Brian Tobin. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to stand before you and this House today to announce the formation of a new Premier's Advisory Council on Economy and Technology. The council will provide advice to me as premier, and other members of the government in several different areas - advice on economic policy, business development, competitiveness, science and technology, sustainable development and how to integrate the environment and the economy.

It is important for the government to keep on top of economic issues as they arise. The members of this Premier's Advisory Council have their fingers on the pulse of business and industry. That is the information pool we need to draw on - their hands-on experience makes them invaluable as a resource.

The Premier's Advisory Council on the Economy and Technology will be made up of key business leaders who have the knowledge and expertise to respond to requests for advice and to make recommendations on questions that I, or Honorable Ministers, refer to them.

I am pleased to have a panel of expert advisors who deal with these issues every day. After all, Mr. Speaker, who better to assist us as we broaden our economic base, explore new markets and refine our growing industries. These men and women are the leaders of our new economy.

The Advisory Council will be chaired by Peter Woodward, of Happy Valley-Goose Bay. The council's membership will include : Moya Cahill, Howard Hewitt, Mary O'Brien, Bill Parsons, Anne Rose, Lewis Rose, Derrick Rowe, Wes Simms, Kathryn Small, Steve Vessey, Bruce Wareham, Bill Buffett, Clyde Melendy, and Ches Penney.

The members of the council bring with them a broad range of business backgrounds, from experience in traditional sectors such as the fishery and farming, to expertise in the newer areas, such as high-tec information services. Geographically, their backgrounds are also diverse, from Arnold's Cove to Cormack to Labrador City, and many points in between.

The advisory council will meet at least four times a year, and will report to me at least twice in that period.

Mr. Speaker, you can see that these people will bring with them a diversity and wealth of knowledge that will benefit the government and the people of this province in many ways.

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BIOGRAPHIES OF MEMBERS

Bill Buffett

• Mr. Buffett is former President and General Manager of G&A Limited, and is active within the community of Grand Bank.

Moya Cahill

• Ms. Cahill is a Professional Engineer in St. John's. She is President of MNC Group, and is also currently acting President and CEO of Marine Atlantic. M

Howard Hewitt

• Mr. Hewitt is a former President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture. The Cormack businessman has been involved in a range of agricultural activities since the 1970s. He is currently the owner of Wilderness Horizons, an outfitting company.

Clyde Melendy

• Mr. Melendy is the owner/operator of Western Toyota Ltd., Corner Brook. He has a long association with a number of charitable organizations.

Mary O'Brien

• Ms. O'Brien, of St. John's, is a former member of Round Table on Environment and Economy.

Bill Parsons

• Mr. Parsons is the Executive Director of N&L Building & Construction Trades Council. This St. John's businessman is also a former member of the Advisory Council on the Economy, and currently serves as a Board Member of the Atlantic Provinces' Economic Council.

Ches Penney

• Mr. Penney is President and CEO of the Pennecon Group of Companies, and an active member of the St. John's business community.

Anne Rose

• Ms. Rose is a consultant. She is also a former President of the St. John's Board of Trade. Lewis Rose
  
  • Mr. Rose, of Glovertown, is semi-retired, but he remains involved in Kinetic Consulting as a partner/consultant. He was formerly with the Canadian Forces/NORAD.

  Derrick Rowe
  

  • Mr. Rowe is a pioneer in the provincial high tech sector. He is President of Stratos Wireless Inc., and Stratos Global Corporation, formerly NewEast and UltimateEast, high tech firms in the St. John's area heavily involved in export markets. Mr. Rowe is a former member of the Science and Technology Advisory Council.

  Wes Simms
  

  • Mr. Simms is a successful business person in the Gander area. He is the President of SCB Fisheries in St. Albans.

  Kathryn Small
  

  • Ms. Small is the former CEO of White Hills Ltd., and is currently President of a Newfoundland Venture Capital company and Director of Heletactics Ltd. The Clarenville businesswoman has been involved in a number of businesses over the past 10 years.

  Steve Vessey
  

  • Mr. Vessey is from Labrador City. He is a Senior Manager with the Iron Ore Company of Canada. He is a former member of the Advisory Council on the Economy and the Advisory Council on Science and Technology.

  Bruce Wareham
  

  • Mr. Wareham, of Arnold's Cove, is Vice-President, Canadian Operations for National Sea Products Ltd. He is the principal official responsible for NatSea operations in Newfoundland.

  Peter Woodward
  

  • Mr. Woodward is Vice-President of Woodward Group of Companies, Happy Valley-Goose Bay. He is also a former member of ACE, Environmental Round Table.