May 28, 1999
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Newfoundland and Labrador Manufacturing Development Forum established

A Newfoundland and Labrador Manufacturing Development Forum - a partnership of the provincial and federal governments, industry, and education and training institutions - has been formed to coordinate the implementation of a new provincial strategy to develop small-scale manufacturing.

Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, released Manufacturing Development: A Strategy for Small-Scale Manufacturing in Newfoundland and Labrador at a news conference in St. John's today. He also announced the formation of the Newfoundland and Labrador Manufacturing Development Forum.

"Government is committed to developing the small-scale manufacturing sector as one of many strategic initiatives to diversify our economy and create new employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas," Mr. Tulk said.

"Development of the strategy has been a team effort. Implementation will be even more so," Mr. Tulk said. "The potential of our small-scale manufacturing sector is best realized through a partnership approach, with key players working in a co-ordinated and focused manner. This is what the Forum is all about."

The Forum will provide a vehicle to ensure regular communications is maintained among all key players on progress in implementing the strategy, as well as monitor new developments on small-scale manufacturing in the province. It will be co-chaired by the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland, the Department of Development and Rural Renewal on behalf of the province, and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency on behalf of the federal government.

The initial membership of the Manufacturing Development Forum represents a cross-section of industry, governments, educational institutions, and community economic development organizations from across the province.

Forum members include Lorne Janes, Chair of the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland; Kitty Drake (Kit'n'Kaboodle), manufacturing representative for the Avalon region; Steve Anderson (Friede Goldman), manufacturing representative for the Eastern region; Dave MacNearney (Newfoundland Styro Inc.) Central representative; John King (Island Dental Laboratories), Western representative; John Angel (Iron Ore Company of Canada), Labrador regional representative; and Manual Hackett of the Bishop's Falls Development Corporation. Other members include Memorial University, College of the North Atlantic, the Department of Development and Rural Renewal, the Department of Industry, Trade and Technology, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Human Resources Development Canada, and Industry Canada.

Membership on the Forum is expected to evolve over time to include additional key stakeholders, including various community development organizations beyond the Bishop's Falls Development Corporation.

Funding of $90,000 is being provided through the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement (LMDA) to support the Forum, for such purposes as bringing the Forum together on a regular basis, and facilitating information sessions with local economic development groups and manufacturers in all areas of the province.

The LMDA is a co-managed agreement between the federal and provincial governments, administered by Human Resources Development Canada and Human Resources and Employment. The LMDA partners work closely with individuals, communities and other stakeholders to help clients meet measurable and achievable educational, employment and economic development goals. In addition, the LMDA partners work together in the design and management of Canada's employment benefits and support measures, ensuring they complement Newfoundland and Labrador's labour market programs and services.

Media contact:

Josephine Cheeseman
Communications Director
Department of Development and Rural Renewal
(709) 729-4570

1999 05 28         11:10 a.m.