September 27, 1999
(Executive Council)

Premier announces consultation on jobs and growth

Premier Brian Tobin today released "Securing Our Future Together: The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth," a discussion document that will serve as the framework for a broad-based public consultation to renew the province's economic agenda.

Securing Our Future Together introduces the central themes and principles of the discussion on a renewal strategy for jobs and growth, and invites stakeholders and the general public to participate in the public consultation process.

"The province has faced many challenges this decade, not the least of which was the groundfishery collapse and moratorium in 1992. We have responded to those challenges very successfully," said Premier Tobin. "Today, we lead the country in GDP growth, job creation and new investment activity. That is why it is so important now to refocus our efforts and ensure the momentum we have gained is not lost."

The premier said it is critical that the province keep pace with the ever changing global economy. "We must look ahead to capture new opportunities that are emerging. We must ensure our long-term economic development strategy remains sound, effective and clearly focused."

"A renewed economic agenda will focus on broad directions and overall policies to build on the new economy, forge partnerships, strengthen our traditional resource industries, and gain full and fair benefits from major resource developments," said the premier.

Premier Tobin noted that the consultation on jobs and growth is happening in conjunction with several other significant government consultations. "Two leading educators are engaged in a consultation on curriculum in our schools. We have gone to the people and sought their input on tax policy, outdoor resources and transportation policy, notably the Gulf ferry service. All of these consultations are part of government's plan to move forward, to put a plan in place that will drive our agenda on these vital issues."

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.

Other members of the committee 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. Representatives of the Committee will participate in a series of public consultation forums to be held this fall.

Public consultation forums will be held in Labrador City-Wabush, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, St. Anthony, Corner Brook, Port aux Basques, Grand Falls-Windsor, Gander, Harbour Breton, New-Wes-Valley (Newtown-Wesleyville-Valleyfield), Clarenville, Marystown, Whitbourne, and St. John's. Exact dates and times will be announced through local media.

As well, government will convene a series of sectoral forums. These round-table discussions will engage key stakeholders in each major sector of our economy and explore their unique challenges and opportunities. Sectoral forums will cover the following areas: manufacturing, advanced technology industries (environmental industries, information technology, biotechnology, and innovative technologies), fisheries and aquaculture, tourism, cultural industries, mining, forestry, agrifoods, and the petroleum industry.

"The renewed jobs and growth agenda for Newfoundland and Labrador will be shaped by the views of the general public as well as industry, business, labour and community groups," said Minister Tulk. "I look forward to hearing first-hand from the people of this province on how best to seize the opportunities that are before us and secure our future together."

Media contacts:

Heidi Bonnell
Office of the Premier
(709) 729-3564

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

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BACKGROUNDER

Consultation on Jobs and Growth

"Securing Our Future Together: The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth" is an invitation to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in taking the province's economic plan to the next level.

The consultation on jobs and growth will focus on building consensus and partnerships to capitalize, in strategic areas, on the economic momentum the province is now enjoying and identify new opportunities for growth.

A Ministerial Committee, chaired by Development and Rural Renewal Minister Beaton Tulk, will hold public consultation forums around the province. Committee members include 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. Representatives of the Committee will participate in each of the public consultation forums.

The public consultation forums will be held in October and November. They will be held in the following communities:

-Labrador City-Wabush -Happy Valley-Goose Bay -St. Anthony -Corner Brook -Port aux Basques -Grand Falls-Windsor -Gander -Harbour Breton -New-Wes-Valley -Clarenville -Marystown -Whitbourne -St. John's

Exact dates and times will be announced through local media.

Interested groups and individuals may attend these public meetings and/or forward written submissions to:

Honourable Beaton Tulk
Chair - Ministerial Committee on Jobs and Growth
2nd Floor, West Block, Confederation Building
P.O. Box 8700, St. John's, NF A1B 4J6

Submissions may also be faxed to (709) 729-0614 or e-mailed to 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 the Consultation Coordinator toll free 1-877-729-6440 or, in the St. John's area, 729-6440. Pre-registration will ensure time is allocated for everyone who wishes to make representation to the committee.

Copies of the consultation discussion document and information kit are available by contacting the Consultation Coordinator or on the Internet at /

As well, government will hold a series of sectoral forums. 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.

1999 09 27               10:15 a.m.