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May 27, 1999
(Development and Rural Renewal)


The following statement was issued today by Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to inform honourable members today of a new business venture to be established in Burgeo that will help strengthen the community and provide new employment opportunities for the people of Burgeo.

The Burgeo Diversification and Development Board Inc., which is Burgeo's community economic development arm, in partnership with Innovative Fisheries Development Inc., a private sector company, plan to establish a soft-shell clam operation in Burgeo.

From the harvesting at the farm to the processing at the plant, this will be a fully integrated operation. It represents a good example of how the traditional fishery is being diversified.

This public-private partnership will fully commercialize the first soft-shell clam operation in the province. Furthermore, it should lead the way for similar operations in other coastal communities.

This particular initiative was identified by the area's regional economic development board as a priority that would help diversify the economy in the Burgeo area. The province worked with the board, the community, the private company and the federal government to make this a reality. It is one of many examples of how our regional economic development boards are strategically targeting new growth and diversification opportunities that create new jobs for the people of our province.

The Department of Development and Rural Renewal, through our Western Region Office, has been a very active member of the project team that has brought this opportunity to fruition.

In this regard, I am pleased to announce that my department is providing a development loan of $75,000 toward the start-up of the new soft-shell clam farm and processing operation. The total investment in this initiative will be more than $700,000, about half of which is from the private sector.

The primary benefit of this investment will be the creation of long-term employment opportunities in the Burgeo area. This will also mean a significant boost to the local economy. The project will employ 29 people directly B 12 in processing, and 17 at the aquaculture farm. Some part-time work will also be created. This is a significant accomplishment for Burgeo.

The markets for soft-shell clam are good, particularly in the New England States. In fact, demand currently outstrips supply. As well, research has shown that there is an adequate supply of the resource in the area. The private partner - Innovative Fisheries Development - has the technical expertise to carry the job through.

These factors, combined with the strengths that the community partner brings to the project, will help ensure the success of this venture.

This is a good example of government's jobs and growth agenda in action, especially in rural areas. It is also proof positive that the work of the regional economic development boards is starting to yield real results. Our economy is being strengthened and new jobs are being created.

1999 05 27                             10:40 a.m.


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