Economic Policy and Rural Revitalization Ministers to visit to Stephenville

The Economic Policy and Rural Revitalization Committee of Cabinet will visit Stephenville Friday, March 15. The committee, who oversees the province�s Jobs and Growth agenda, will have an opportunity to see first-hand some of the economic development under way in the area.

The committee will tour the Abitibi Pulp and Paper mill, and will meet with representatives of the Newfoundland and Labrador Outfitters Association, Model Forest of Newfoundland and Labrador, Atlantic Minerals Inc., and Stephenville Airport Corporation.

"Economic development ministers are always pleased to take advantage of opportunities to visit regions of the province in order to stay informed on economic development issues and to determine how government may effect positive change in this area," said Industry Trade and Rural Development Minister Beaton Tulk, Chair of the Economic Policy and Rural Revitalization Committee.

The Stephenville visit follows visits which ministers made to several areas of the province in the fall of 2001.

Members of the committee include Beaton Tulk, Chair, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development; Ralph Wiseman, Minister of Environment; Joan Marie Aylward, Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board; Gerry Reid, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture; Rick Woodford, Minister of Forest Resources and Agrifoods; Ernie McLean, Minister of Labrador and Aboriginal Affairs; Lloyd Matthews, Minister of Mines and Energy; Kevin Aylward, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation; Percy Barrett, Minister of Works, Services and Transportation; and Oliver Langdon, Minister of Municipal and Provincial Affairs.

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Industry, Trade and Rural Development, (709) 729-4570.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Ministers will be available to the media at the Holiday Inn in Stephenville at
                               2:15 p.m. on March 15.

2002 03 14                         3:30 p.m.