October 15, 1999
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Consultation on jobs and growth under way

Meetings in Gander on Monday, October 18 and in Grand Falls-Windsor on Tuesday, October 19 signal the launch of a broad-based public consultation to renew the province's economic agenda.

Development and Rural Renewal Minister Beaton Tulk will chair a special ad-hoc committee of Cabinet that has been formed to lead the consultation process.

The process will provide an opportunity for people to provide their views and advice on a renewal strategy for jobs and growth.

Public consultation forums will also be held in St. John's, Whitbourne, Clarenville, Marystown, New-Wes-Valley (Newtown-Wesleyville-Valleyfield), Harbour Breton, Corner Brook, St. Anthony, Port aux Basques, Happy Valley-Goose Bay and Labrador City-Wabush.

Interested groups and individuals may attend these public meetings and/or forward written submissions to Minister Tulk, c/o Ministerial Committee on Jobs and Growth, 2nd Floor, Confederation Building, West Block, P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF, A1B 4J6. Submissions may also be faxed to (709) 729-0614 or e-mail: econsult@mail.gov.nf.ca. Deadline for written submissions is December 15, 1999.

Anyone planning on making a presentation to the committee at a public meeting is invited to pre-register by calling toll free 1-877-729-6440 or, in the St. John's area, 729-6440. Time will also be made available at each public meeting for comments from the floor.

Joining Minister Tulk in the consultations are Mines and Energy Minister Roger Grimes, in his capacity as chair of the Economic Policy Committee of Cabinet; Industry Trade and Technology Minister Sandra Kelly; Human Resources and Employment Minister Julie Bettney, in her capacity as minister responsible for the Strategic Social Plan; Finance Minister Paul Dicks; and, Government Services and Lands Minister Ernest McLean, in his capacity as minister responsible for Labrador Affairs.

Once the public consultation forums are completed, a series of sectoral forums will be held. These round-table discussions will engage key stakeholders in strategic sectors such as manufacturing, advanced technology industries (environmental industries, information technology, biotechnology, and innovative technologies), fisheries, aquaculture, mining, petroleum, forestry, agrifoods, tourism, and cultural industries. These forums will explore the unique challenges and opportunities of each sector. While discussions will focus on key sectors identified as strategic, discussions will not be limited to only those sectors described.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Director of Communications, (709) 729-4570.

NOTE TO EDITORS:

Schedule:

All meetings begin at 7 p.m.

1999 10 15                                                         10:00 a.m.