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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