NLIS 2
May 25, 2001
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

FINALY keeps youth voice heard in Newfoundland and Labrador

Futures in Newfoundland and Labrador's Youth ( FINALY) has been awarded funding to continue as the voice of youth in regional economic development in this province. Funding in the amount of $242,632 through the Canada-Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement was announced today by Brian Tobin, federal Minster of Industry, Robert Thibault, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), and Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

FINALY, which consists of 15 youth councils and over 500 registered members, provides a youth voice for the promotion of entrepreneurship, enterprise development, community involvement and positive social and economic opportunities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador. With members between the ages of 15 and 29, the group's primary mandate is to explore and share opportunities for youth as it relates to regional economic development. As such the organization has representation on a number of advisory committees including the Premier's Council on Social Development and the Regional Economic Development and Schools program.

"FINALY is a key youth organization in Newfoundland and Labrador addressing concerns of youth as they relate to economic development, and as such it serves as an excellent bridge between government programs and services and the youth audiences they are designed to serve," said Minister Tobin. "As well, FINALY's network of interested and concerned youth across the province will lead to increased awareness of youth issues at the Regional Economic Development Board (REDB) level."

"It is never too early to develop entrepreneurial talent," says Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "This program encourages young people to become involved with their communities and the economic future of their province. FINALY exposes youth to the realities of business, economic and social development and helps prepare them to become the business and community leaders of tomorrow."

FINALY will promote youth involvement in economic development through the following activities: in cooperation with the REDBs and other agencies, continue to establish and support zonal youth councils with the goal of establishing active youth councils in all 20 zones; research and develop programs and initiatives for young people that will enhance the areas of education, entrepreneurship, career exploration and personal development; help other youth agencies, government departments and community groups access the youth in our province; and provide support services to zonal youth councils through such mechanisms as workshops and information sessions.

"In the coming year we will strive to further develop our relationships in each of the economic zones and continue to provide a strong provincial voice for the young people of Newfoundland and Labrador," said FINALY Executive Director Simone Kielley. "We are excited and encouraged by the continued support from ACOA and the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and will work to enhance communications between young people and government."

FINALY's support comes from the Human Resource Development and Entrepreneurship component of the agreement which is directed toward promoting and developing human resources as a means to economic development. The Canada-Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement is a six-year, $95.4 million initiative designed to complement existing federal and provincial programs and agreements. It is administered federally by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and provincially by the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development.

Media contact:

Jennifer Savoy, Press Secretary
Robert G.Thibault
Minister of State for ACOA, (613) 941-7291

Doug Burgess, ACOA, (709) 772-2935

Josephine Cheeseman
Industry, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570

Simone Kielley, FINALY, (709) 738-6274

2001 05 25                                           11:05 a.m.