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 would like to bring to the attention of honourable members today that this week is Crafts Week in Newfoundland and Labrador. The week is being celebrated around the province with a series of events, including craft fairs in Corner Brook, and here in St. John's. The craft industry is an important part of our small-manufacturing sector. Craft production employs more than 2,000 people and contributes $25 million a year to the provincial economy. So I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the important contribution that the small business people who produce crafts make to our economy, particularly in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. I had the pleasure this morning of attending the opening of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador's 26th annual craft fair at St. John's Memorial Stadium. I hope honourable members can find some time over the next few days to attend the fair. To help them, I have a number of tickets that my department has purchased, and I am providing a ticket to each member to visit the show. I hope they take advantage of my offer and use the opportunity to support craft producers in Newfoundland and Labrador. 1999 11 18 2:25 p.m. |
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