March 30, 2000
(Industry, Trade and Technology)

The following statement was issued today by Sandra Kelly, Minister of Industry, Trade and Technology. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

I am pleased to update honourable members about an exciting technology initiative that my department has been developing which will benefit businesses and municipalities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.

Over a year ago, I launched a comprehensive online business information system, that is accessible through the Internet, called Success~Works. This system is evolving from an information tool to a comprehensive e-business site for economic development in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Technology is becoming more and more integrated into the worldwide business community, and we must continue to find new ways to ensure that our businesses are able to take advantage of these opportunities.

This year we are expanding Success~Works� current capabilities and focussing on three main initiatives.

First, detailed community profiles are being developed which will be used by my department to work with site selectors in attracting new businesses to our province. In April, members of a committee of the Regional Economic Development Boards and my department plan to attend the International Development Research Council meeting in New York. Ready access to the right kind of information is essential in order to compete, and my staff has incorporated these requirements into the Success~Works planning.

Second, in the coming months, my department will be working closely with the Alliance of Manufacturers and Exporters of Newfoundland and the Government Purchasing Agency to conduct a province-wide survey of manufacturers� products. Once completed, we will have the most comprehensive listing of products produced in Newfoundland and Labrador on our web site. This will be a definite advantage for sourcing, in particular, Government procurement opportunities.

And finally, my department�s web site is being re-designed to incorporate the information available from Success~Works and make the site e-business enabled. E-business includes any activity that uses Internet technologies to convey information that enables a company to do business. E-commerce, one component of e-business, was worth $1.4 billion in Canada in 1999, and that number is expected to double this year, and we want a significant doubling in this province.

These developments directly address some of the issues highlighted during the Jobs and Growth consultations, such as the need for cooperation at all levels and the need for government to create an environment that stimulates business and economic growth. Success~Works is one of the tools which will help us to enhance that environment.

The strategic advantages offered by Success~Works are available to all municipalities in Newfoundland and Labrador, and all businesses.

I ask all honourable members to encourage individuals and organizations in their districts to become part of this dynamic initiative. It is available through our web site, "success.nfld.net," and my department would be happy to work with anyone who is interested in becoming involved. As we move forward with its development, Success~Works is giving our province and our companies a definite business advantage.

2000 03 30                                                                     1:55 p.m.