I am pleased to inform this Honourable House of the release of the Final Report on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth.

I am providing copies of the Final Report for all Members of the House, and for the general public.

This report reflects the views and perspectives of the many individuals and organizations that presented briefs and submissions during the extensive public consultations that were held across the province. It also builds on the major themes, key messages and initial priorities for action that were outlined in the Interim Report on Jobs and Growth that I released last March.

We have been moving on new initiatives in support of the Jobs and Growth agenda ever since then. But today�s final report presents a comprehensive account of the direction government intends to pursue in advancing the overall economic and social agenda. It also presents an action oriented plan to maintain and build on our economic progress, addressing the issues and challenges facing our economy as conveyed through the consultations. It represents yet another important element of government�s overall action plan to strengthen the province as outlined by His Honour, the Lieutenant-Governor, in the Speech from the Throne last week.

Government will move immediately to implement the priorities for action outlined in the final report, commencing with specific measures in the upcoming budget. Government is also committed to an open dialogue with key stakeholders in the ongoing implementation of the Jobs and Growth strategy to ensure we keep the agenda fresh and set new priorities as circumstances evolve.

The vision of the people we heard from in the consultations is of a vibrant and confident Newfoundland and Labrador where a can do attitude and take charge approach to meeting the challenges and opportunities before us will help secure our future together. The release and implementation of the Final Report on Jobs and Growth will provide a solid framework to keep the economy growing and ensure all our people share fully in our progress.

2001 03 20                      1:55 p.m.

Link to News Release

Link to the Final Report