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Executive Council
November 9, 2007

Visions to Actions � A Roadmap to 2020 Concludes
With Common Ground on Rural Issues

The Provincial Government�s Visions to Actions � A Roadmap to 2020 conference concluded today with citizens and governments finding common ground on key rural issues. Collectively, necessary steps were identified as to how best build sustainable rural regions for future generations.

"Rural issues are a high-priority for the Provincial Government and will continue to be in the future. We have made considerable investments aimed at enhancing the province�s rural communities and regions," said the Honourable Danny Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Signs of flourishing communities are evident throughout the province. Through forums like Visions to Actions the Provincial Government and its citizens work together to ensure that this growth continues."

Approximately 200 participants, including Cabinet Ministers, MHAs, government officials, community stakeholders, along with regional and provincial councils of the Rural Secretariat, engaged in open and frank discussions on the future of the province�s rural communities. Topics discussed in the two-day forum included providing a greater voice for the province�s youth, how to increase economic activity, improving access to public services, skills development, infrastructure investment, along with community leadership and regional cooperation. Keynote speakers included Sharon Manson-Singer of the Canadian Policy Research Networks, Jerry Byrne of D.F. Barnes Ltd., and Ivan Imke of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College.

"The dialogue further confirmed the need for a regional approach to investing in the necessary tools and opportunities required to improve accessibility to programs and services," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister Responsible for the Rural Secretariat. "To foster an environment that facilitates growth and success it is incumbent to invest in modern infrastructure such as broadband that will spur new opportunities for people in the province as they compete on the national and global stage."

The regional and provincial councils of the Rural Secretariat will determine how the discussion and recommended actions will be incorporated in their work as the province plans for 2020.

"As we plan for 2020, it is important to engage the province�s youth in this process," said Minister Taylor. "The conference�s youth participants brought forward a wide-range of issues and suggestions such as improving awareness of opportunities, competitive wages, and incentives for graduating students. Each of the suggestions is designed to keep youth in the province."

The conference further established a solid working relationship between the Provincial Government and its citizens via the regional and provincial councils.

"The conference reaffirms the Provincial Government�s commitment to engaging citizens in the decisions that impact them and their regions," said Sheila Kelly-Blackmore, chair of the provincial council. "During the conference, meaningful discussion occurred between government officials, citizens, and stakeholders on the opportunities and challenges facing the province�s rural communities. It was clear that together we can strengthen rural Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Rural Secretariat focuses on the sustainable development of all regions of the province. It facilitates information sharing, informed dialogue and collaboration within the region and between government and communities. The Rural Secretariat conducts research, facilitates partnerships and engages citizens to become more informed on regional issues.

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Media contacts:

Elizabeth Matthews
Director of Communications
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960, 693-7291
elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Rural Secretariat
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca

2007 11 09                                                     3:15 p.m.

 


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