Government supporting workshop on rural development in Newfoundland and Labrador

In light of the Williams Administration�s commitment to the sustainability of rural regions, Tom Rideout, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture, today announced a contribution of $7,500 toward a workshop that is focusing on the future of coastal communities.

Minister Rideout addressed the workshop on Wednesday morning, and reflected on government�s commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

�There is no denying that the sustainability of rural communities is an utmost priority for everyone, and this is certainly true for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador,� said Minister Rideout. �We have placed a particular emphasis on resolving the challenges facing rural regions of our province and we are working very actively to develop realistic solutions.

�The Premier�s meeting on the Newfoundland and Labrador fishery was a very significant step in government�s efforts to address the challenges facing rural Newfoundland and Labrador,� continued the minister. �A massive amount of work has taken place since that time, including numerous meetings by a number of industry-government working groups. The results of this work will be reported to government in a week or so.�

Minister Rideout pointed out that his department has recently implemented some changes in processing policy that will bode well for employment opportunities in rural regions. This includes a requirement that by April 1, 2008, all seals landed in Newfoundland and Labrador must undergo full primary processing, to the tanned stage, in this province. Other changes include requiring full utilization of all capelin landed in Newfoundland and Labrador to maximize associated employment and revenue generating opportunities.

�When it comes to sustaining rural communities, we need to remember that we must do whatever we can, big or small,� said the minister. �Every job that we can create or protect will make a difference.

�Discussing options and generating ideas to address the challenges facing rural Newfoundland and Labrador is an essential component as we all move forward. To that end, I am very pleased that this funding has been made available for the workshop and I commend the organizers and participants for their efforts.�

The workshop - Oceans and the Future of Endangered Coastal Communities: Building Capacity for Renewal - is co-hosted by the Town of Change Islands, the Stages and Stores Heritage Foundation and the Centre for Coastal Studies at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia.

�The future does hold promise for rural areas of our province,� said Minister Rideout. �While all challenges will not be resolved overnight, we are working diligently and we are certainly moving along the right path.�

The workshop is taking place August 8-10 on Change Islands.

Media contact: Danny Pond, Communications, (709) 729-6076, 685-3415, dannypond@gov.nl.ca

2006 08 09                                            12:40 p.m.