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NLIS 5 February 15, 2002 (Industry, Trade and Rural Development) Craft industry development strategy funding announced The federal and provincial governments have announced a new craft industry development strategy and new funding of $1 million over two years for its implementation. The Craft Industry Development Program (CIDP) is funded under the Canada-Newfoundland Comprehensive Economic Development Agreement. The strategy is aimed at accelerating growth and encouraging professionalism in the province�s craft industry. Both were announced today at a news conference in St. John�s by Gerry Byrne, Minister of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency; and George Sweeney, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. In announcing the new funding, Minister Byrne said: "Ten years ago the estimated value of the craft industry in the province was $10 to $12 million. Today, it is approximately $38 million. By funding this new strategy, we are helping the craft producers of this great province continue to build such an important cultural and economic enterprise. This ultimately will bring benefits to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians and help enhance our shared culture and traditions." Mr. Sweeney said: "Over the years, the Craft Industry Development Program has assisted hundreds of craft producers with market research and development, product development and professional skill development. This new funding will continue to provide support together with additional program components." The present funding maintains traditional support provided by the CIDP and adds new elements targeted at economic development organizations and their sub-committees, and non-profit organizations. Funding is increased for professional skill development, product research and development, and market development. The Craft Industry Development Program is a partnership between the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, and the Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development and has been supported by federal-provincial funding programs since the late 1970s. Anne Manuel, Executive Director of the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador, welcomed today�s news. "We are certainly pleased that both levels of government recognize the value of the craft industry. What we are building here provides opportunities for a wide range of people, some of whom have spent their lives creating and preserving the essential touchstones of this province�s culture. In supporting that activity, we create jobs and income, while protecting something we all value." The report was commissioned by the former Department of Development and Rural Renewal and was researched and written by Amec Earth and Environment Ltd. of St. John�s, and Hollett and Sons of Shoal Harbour. It is based on interviews with more than 580 people. The $60,000 report took six months to complete and was funded under the Canada/Newfoundland Agreement on Economic Renewal. The report contains a description of the current state of the industry, an evaluation of existing craft development programs and services, and recommendations for future developments. The craft industry is an important contributor to the small manufacturing sector of Newfoundland and Labrador and employs over 2,000 people. 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. For more information, please contact: Ralph Meechan Doug Burgess Josephine Cheeseman Anne Manuel 2002 02 15 2:40 p.m. |
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