Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
May 16, 2008

A company in Grand Falls-Windsor has received support from the Provincial Government for its contact centres in Marystown and Stephenville. Help Desk Now will receive wage rebates to help grow operations in the two communities.

"The Provincial Government has made a commitment to creating an environment that encourages the development of businesses and addressing some the challenges they face," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Supporting the growth of the contact centre industry and enterprises like Help Desk Now through wage rebates is an example of this commitment. It will enable them to create employment opportunities and have a positive impact on the local economies."

The five-year, performance-based wage rebate will be paid bi-annually on receipt of audited reports indicating proof of wages paid to employees. The rebate is expected to cost almost $1.9 million over the life of the five-year and generate almost $16 million in wages.

"We have increased the number of contact centres we operate in Newfoundland and Labrador from one to three, building on our success in Grand Falls-Windsor. Undoubtedly, there is a significant number of people residing in rural communities throughout this province who possess the skills required for this type of work," said Lawrence Ducey, Executive Director, Help Desk Now. "Our Stephenville and Marystown centres employ approximately 50 people across each site, with 150 people working in Grand Falls-Windsor."

Approximately 5,000 people in Newfoundland and Labrador are employed in 19 contact centres in urban and rural parts of the province. The provincial industry generates more than $100 million a year in salaries and skilled contact centre workers are in high- demand.

2008 05 16                                                    1;50 p.m.