Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
December 8, 2009

Mr.Speaker, the Provincial Government delivers a suite of financial and non-financial programs focused on helping local businesses address labour market conditions, explore avenues to maximize productivity, and open doors to new opportunities.

As a government, we have introduced more than $87 million dollars in programs that provide local businesses and organizations with greater access to financial resources that help get projects off the ground.

Equally important, is the broad spectrum of non-financial programs that provide participants with direct access to sector and trade specialists who can help connect them to available resources, along with information and networking opportunities designed to help them realize success.

To date, workshops on manufacturing, business development, export readiness, and large scale procurement have proven beneficial for individuals and business across all regions of the province.

In particular, workshops aimed at helping small and medium-sized enterprises enhance their understanding of the benefits of effective intellectual property protection have been positively received. The diverse mix of the more than 200 attendees of five sessions in St. John�s, Corner Brook, and Gander reflects the progressive nature of the local business community and their keenness to acquire knowledge as part of improving their competitiveness.

Sessions cover the various types of intellectual property protection that includes trademarks, patents, trade secrets, and copyrights. More importantly, it emphasizes the importance of these measures and provides valuable advice about how and when to apply them.

Pat King, owner of Kings Enterprises in Springdale reported that "the intellectual property session in Corner Brook was extremely informative." Since the session, he is applying information gathered to prepare a business plan and commercialize his patented idea.

Roger Power, CEO of Versus Technologies in St. John�s said, "We are now better able to license our television software applications to customers throughout the world. Our markets have expanded to include a dozen countries including the United States, Portugal, Greece and China. The Intellectual Property Workshops connect the experts in the field to innovative small businesses like ours. It is invaluable."

That is just a snapshot of some of the value that has been communicated in response to these workshops.

These free workshops ensure that businesses can explore all matters relating to protecting their valuable assets. It is an issue that should be heavily considered by all businesses when commercializing their products and seeking to improve their competitiveness.

Early in the New Year, workshops will be held on the Northern Peninsula and in Labrador. I encourage all interested businesses and individuals to contact the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development for more information.