December 17, 2012
The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Keith Hutching, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development:
2013 Youth Innovation Call for Proposals
Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to rise today in this Honourable House to highlight an initiative that promotes and engages youth in innovative activities.
Launched earlier today, the Provincial Government’s Youth Innovation Call for Proposals has the goal of creating awareness among youth of the tremendous career opportunities that exist in Newfoundland and Labrador and the role innovation plays in harnessing them.
For each project funded through this initiative, the Provincial Government will contribute up to 80 per cent of total project costs to a maximum of $20,000. Those eligible to apply include not-for-profit organizations, schools in the kindergarten to Grade 12 system, post-secondary educational institutions, youth organizations and industry organizations.
Since the initial call for proposals in 2009, the Provincial Government has invested close to $1.4 million in 80 activities that support youth innovation. These activities capture the creativity and volume of innovative thinking that is prevalent in communities and regions throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Mr. Speaker, most importantly, these initiatives hold the potential to spark the imaginations of youth and build skills today that can benefit future entrepreneurs and a stronger workforce.
Examples of some of projects supported to date include support for the Town of Belleoram to a host a conference for youth from the Coast of Bays Region about the importance of science, engineering and technology in advancing the local aquaculture industry; and in Pollard’s Point we have helped Main River Academy to increase student awareness of advanced technologies and environmental issues such as wildlife, water, soils, and forestry through the Internet and smart technologies.
That is just a brief snapshot but the message to youth is the same – regardless of age or where you live, you can be innovative, you can grow, and you can succeed.
Mr. Speaker, if previous projects are any indication as to where we, as a province, are headed, I can say without a doubt, the future of Newfoundland and Labrador is in good and capable hands. I encourage all those eligible to apply to consider the possibilities, be innovative and creative. More information and details of the call for proposals are available on my department’s website or at one of our 23 offices throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Thank you.