Supporting the progression of companies and projects from start-up to commercialization is integral to the Provincial Government's economic development agenda. It is an agenda focused on building strong, economically-diversified communities.

The Provincial Government's economic development agenda is also about far more than financial gain. Economic development is the driving force — however, working with community groups to balance the social and economic requirements of our communities and regions is invaluable.

To meet these demands, trained facilitators, including staff from the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, facilitate workshops and collaborate with community groups through the Community Capacity Building program.

This program has been highly-utilized by community groups who view it as an effective platform to identify and manage opportunities focused on increasing the capacity of local organizations and ultimately encourage greater levels of social and economic development. In 2009 alone, more than 130 working sessions involving almost 4,000 participants were held in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador

In early 2009, it was the Community Capacity Building program that served as the starting point to address the social and economic issues that materialized following AbitibiBowater announcing that it was ceasing operations in the Central Region.

Bringing together more than 80 local stakeholders that included regional economic development groups, municipalities, union officials, and many others led to the identification of opportunities for economic activity and instilled confidence that the future would be bright for the region's residents.

Through the program, short- and long-term opportunities were assessed and an action plan established. Partners were quickly mobilized to advance development of a cranberry industry in the area and confirm land availability, environmental considerations, and market opportunities.

Cyril Langdon, Chair of the Exploits Valley Economic Development Corporation, described the program as providing a great opportunity for stakeholders to share ideas, prioritize opportunities, and identify partners for project implementation.

The Community Capacity Building program is also playing an important role in the Provincial Government's Poverty Reduction Strategy. By working with community groups such as the Community Centre Alliance, we are enabling them to work with lower-income individuals to strengthen their skill-sets, develop business and strategic plans, and open the door for them to be larger contributors to the provincial economy.

The Provincial Government looks forward to continued collaboration with our partners at the local level through the Community Capacity Building program. Coupled with strategic investments they are critical in the sustained development of our communities and regions.