Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
April 22, 2009

The College of the North Atlantic is expanding programs at its St. Anthony campus to address a demand in the province�s growing outfitting industry. With a Provincial Government investment of $99,500, the campus will offer a hunter/fisher/outdoor guide program that will lead to a higher quality of service and more viable industry in all regions of the province. This funding is part of a Budget 2009 $8 million investment in the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund (RSDF).

"Newfoundland and Labrador�s outfitting industry is valued at approximately $37 million per year in direct and non-direct revenues," said the Honourable Shawn Skinner, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "Given the province�s growing outfitting industry and visitors seeking authentic and unique experiences, the College of the North Atlantic�s new program will support industry expansion, along with new business and employment opportunities."

Beginning in September 2009, the program will be nine weeks for current outfitters and 20 weeks for new entrants to the industry. Over the course of their training students will learn survival skills, camp operations, hunting skills and fishing skills. Students will also be exposed to backcountry rivers, lakes, and trails, and learn to operate canoes, kayaks, snowmobiles and ATVs, for the purposes of becoming a hunting and fishing guide.

"With its untapped natural environment, the St. Anthony area is an exceptional location for this training program," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, MHA, Straits-White Bay North. "The new program enables the St. Anthony campus to build its capacity that will lead to increased enrollment and, potentially, other programs being added. I am confident that, over time, it will provide a measurable contribution to the local economy and further professionalize the industry."

The College of the North Atlantic has 17 campuses in Newfoundland and Labrador and one location in Qatar. The St. Anthony campus currently offers such programs as adult basic education, business administration, carpentry, and industrial/construction electrical.

"College of the North Atlantic is excited about being a part of this great new initiative," said Jean Madill, President, College of the North Atlantic. "The St. Anthony campus spent a considerable amount of time consulting with the outfitting sector to ensure the hunter/fisher guide program meets their needs. This unique program will help the industry reach a new level of professionalism, and will help to expand outfitter product offerings."

Administered by the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, RSDF provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.