November 4, 1999
(Development and Rural Renewal)

Music industry plan will maximize benefits for province

The Music Industry Association of Newfoundland and Labrador (MIA) has received funding to support the development of a strategic plan to maximize economic opportunities as the industry continues to develop.

The announcement was made today by George Baker, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal. Funding in the amount of $45,000 was approved through the Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal (ERA).

"The music industry, long recognized as an instrument of economic growth in this province, advances our cultural identity worldwide," said Minister Baker. "The Government of Canada is partnering with the MIA, and the province, to steer the industry towards new opportunities that will benefit the entire province."

In making the announcement, Minister Tulk commended the partnership approach the MIA was using to develop this plan. "It is through organizations such as the MIA that we can collectively achieve our province's economic priorities and goals. The music industry serves as a catalyst for economic activity and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador endorses the development of this strategic plan as a way to further stimulate this sector."

The strategic plan will outline how to best maximize opportunities for development of the music and sound recording industry in the province. Specifically, the plan will explore:

- current and future perspectives internationally, nationally and provincially;

- current and forecasted economic impact of the music and sound recording industry in the province;

- the local product currently being produced and marketed, taking into consideration competitive strengths and export market opportunities;

- roles, responsibilities, capabilities and opportunities for government, industry and other agencies/institutions in the areas of education and training, financing, marketing and distribution, cultural tourism, regulations, research, support and extension services, and technology transfer.

 

"The continuing growth of the province's talent and infrastructure within this sector is proof that we have a place in the global market," said MIA executive director Denis Parker. "We welcome this opportunity to assess the provincial music business so that initiatives can be undertaken to promote our industry nationally and internationally."

The plan will receive input from key stakeholder groups, government and the MIA and is expected to be completed by the spring 2000.

The Canada-Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal is a $100 million cost-shared federal-provincial agreement administered federally by ACOA and provincially by the Department of Development and Rural Renewal.

Media contact:

Doug Burgess
ACOA
(709) 772-2935

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

Denis Parker
MIA
(709) 754-2574

1999 11 04                                                                             10:30 a.m.