Chair of Community Development Committee Announced

The Honourable Shawn Skinner, Chair of the Ministerial Task Force established to respond to the closure of the AbitibiBowater Mill in Grand Falls-Windsor, today announced Cyril Farrell as chair of the Community Development Committee.

�With its integral role in supporting the economic and social development of the central region, the Community Development Committee requires an individual that possesses both strong leadership skills and broad skill-set,� said Minister Skinner. �Mr. Farrell maintains these key attributes and his extensive experience working with community and regionally-focused organizations provides the committee with a valuable resource. I thank Mr. Farrell for volunteering his time, and am confident, that in conjunction with other committee members, he will contribute to productive dialogue on important issues impacting the central region.�

Mr. Farrell is currently the campus administrator of the College of the North Atlantic�s Grand Falls-Windsor Campus and has spent more than 30 years in the area of adult education. Throughout his career he has been actively engaged in community service volunteering on such committees as the Town of Grand Falls-Windsor�s Economic Development Board, Exploits Valley Development Corporation, Leslie Harris Centre on Regional Policy, and Central Health Authority.

�I am excited about this opportunity to contribute to growing the region�s economic base by working with the diverse committee that has been appointed by the Ministerial Task Force,� said Mr. Farrell. �The Central Region possesses a broad range of strengths including extensive natural resources and human resources. I have every confidence, that in partnership with the Provincial Government, we will emerge from these challenges to create a region that is stronger and more diverse.�

The Community Development Committee will identify short- and long-term opportunities and priorities focused on economic development and diversification. The committee will work closely with the Ministerial Task Force, and is supported by an Interdepartmental Officials Committee.

�The Provincial Government, in partnership with Community Development Committee, is planning the future and it is essential that all avenues be examined,� said Minister Skinner. �Through community engagement, we are creating an environment where citizens work with the Provincial Government, to creatively identify solutions to key issues.�

Comprising volunteers from across the region representing community, business, and labour, the committee will also collaborate with other community groups to help facilitate and explore all opportunities to diversify and strengthen the central region.

Committee members include Mr. Farrell, Deborah Armstrong, Peggy Bartlett, Ben Blackmore, Janis Boone, Sandra Carey, Darrin Finn, Heather Fudge, Harry Hallett, Gary Hennessey, Karl Inder, Cyril Langdon, George McDonald, Wayne Mills, and Carolyn Morgan.

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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca