News Releases
Government Home Search Sitemap Contact Us  

NLIS 5
June 18, 2001
(Industry, Trade and Rural Development)

 

Minister addresses advanced technology workshop

Knowledge-based industries such as information technology will play an increasingly important role in generating economic and employment growth in the province, Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, said today in addressing a workshop in St. John�s.

The workshop, organized by the Canadian Space Agency and C-CORE, brings together private sector participants and members of the scientific community to discuss possible uses of radar imagery in Newfoundland and Labrador. Discussions include applications of radar imagery such as iceberg detection, velocity of ocean currents, detection of oil spills, and monitoring of fishing fleets.

"The application of such technology is becoming increasingly relevant in our economy. As more and more companies apply research results to the way they work and do business, the more potential there is to generate economic and employment growth," Mr. Tulk said.

Pointing to the information technology sector as an example of how applied research is an economic stimulator, Minister Tulk noted that employment in the IT sector has grown 25 per cent annually since 1996, and is now generating revenues of $600 million. It is expected to double in value over the next four years.

"The advances being made by our local industry in information and communications technology are one of the reasons why the economy of our province has been maintaining positive economic momentum for the past few years," he said. "This is why government has targeted that sector for attention in its overall Jobs and Growth renewal strategy."

Mr. Tulk also highlighted some of the accomplishments and contributions made by "our modern-day Marconis" in the field of wireless communications.

"Companies and organizations here in this province have developed highly specialized products and services, including those in the field of technology, that are in demand around the world," he said. These include development of technology that has helped revolutionize the field of tracking and management of fish and wildlife; vertically integrated satellite and microwave services; long range surface wave radar; and underwater communications systems.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications (709) 729-4570.

2001 06 18                                                          12:40 p.m.


SearchHomeBack to GovernmentContact Us


All material copyright the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador. No unauthorized copying or redeployment permitted. The Government assumes no responsibility for the accuracy of any material deployed on an unauthorized server.
Disclaimer/Copyright/Privacy Statement