Presentations to cabinet committee beneficial

Effective presentations made to the Economic Policy Committee (EPC) of cabinet in Lewisporte on Tuesday have strengthened the committee�s appreciation of the economic opportunities and challenges of the region, says EPC chair Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

"The excellent presentations clearly demonstrate the economic potential of the region. My colleagues and I were impressed with presenters� ideas for tapping that potential and for their tremendous volunteer commitment to the growth of the area," she said.

Minister Dunderdale said discussions with organizations in the area focused on many areas of opportunity, including infrastructure, tourism and marine transportation. The EPC met with the town council and Chamber of Commerce of Lewisporte, the Town of Campbellton, the Lewisporte Area Development Association and the Town of Gander. The committee also met with the Newfoundland and Labrador Regional Development Association, the umbrella organization of regional economic development boards.

"Hearing first-hand from stakeholders is a wonderful opportunity to help us enhance the effectiveness of our economic agenda, particularly in rural areas," said the minister.

Transportation and Works Minister Tom Rideout, MHA for Lewisporte, said that hearing ideas and suggestions from organizations at the grassroots level helps cabinet ministers become more familiar with issues that they may have to make decisions about. "While my EPC colleagues are already knowledgeable about issues in the region I represent, face-to-face meetings further an understanding of the issues."

Media contact: Josephine Cheeseman, Communications, (709) 729-0329

2004 09 29                          3:45 p.m.