Executive Council
Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Fisheries and Aquaculture
October 28, 2014
Provincial Government Remains Focused on a Diversified Economy
More than $480,000 Supports Economic Growth on the Burin Peninsula
Two Burin Peninsula-based businesses are better positioned to improve their operations as a result of $488,333 in funding from the Provincial Government. Fortune Head Eco Friends Inc. and Grand Bank Seafood’s Inc. will receive funding to assist with operational growth and development. The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, made the announcements today in Fortune and Grand Bank respectively. Premier Davis was joined by the Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development.
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s economy is becoming increasingly diversified, and local organizations are building their capacity to take on new opportunities in the local, national, and international marketplace. With the recent creation of the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development, our government is ensuring that we are able to respond to the dynamic needs of the province’s traditional and heritage industries, especially in rural areas of the province. Increasingly, industries like the fishery are becoming more innovative and we are experiencing continued growth in the tourism sector. I am confident that our announcements today will benefit all sectors involved and surrounding communities well into the future.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
The Fortune Head Ecological Reserve is recognized internationally as a significant fossil find. Funding of $278,333 provided to Fortune Head Eco Friends Inc. will support a review of the Fortune Head Interpretation Centre, Ecological Reserve and surrounding areas, resulting in implementation of recommendations to broaden the visitor experience.
“This government will continue to grow tourism and cultural industries across our province while fostering progressive business opportunities. Funding for the Fortune Head Ecological Reserve will result in a more innovative way of doing business, while helping to increase tourism and business growth throughout the region. It’s a win-win for everyone involved.”
- The Honourable Darin King, Minister of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development
Grand Bank Seafoods will also receive $200,000 to help purchase and install a custom-built automated packaging system to enhance the speed and efficiency of plant operations. Approximately $10,000 has also been provided to support an external review of operations to determine where greater efficiencies and product quality improvements can be achieved.
“This government understands the importance of supporting innovation in the fishery so that our provincial seafood industry remains competitive in the global environment. That is why we supported plant enhancements at Grand Bank Seafoods that will improve capacity and efficiency, and why we have supported more than 270 industry-driven research and development projects since 2007.”
- The Honourable Vaughn Granter, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
The Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program helps the provincial seafood industry pursue enhanced harvesting, processing, and marketing techniques that build global competitive advantage. Programs of the Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development assist local companies to take advantage of opportunities through product and process improvements and technology transfer and adoption.
QUICK FACTS
- Grand Bank based-organizations are receiving $488,333 to assist with strategic growth and operational development.
- Funding for the Fortune Head Eco Friends will support a review of the Fortune Head Interpretation Centre, Ecological Reserve and surrounding areas, while funding for Grand Bank Seafoods will help purchase and install a custom-built automated packaging system.
- Budget 2014: Shared Prosperity, Fair Society, Balanced Outlook includes $4 million for the Fisheries Technology and New Opportunities Program to support projects aimed at enhancing the harvesting, processing, and marketing of provincial seafood over the next two years.
- The Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development offers a wide range of programs, services and assistance to established and potential business. Information on funding can be found at www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/starting/fundingincentive/index.html.
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Media contacts:
|
Donna Ivey Office of the Premier 709-729-3551, 699-2402 donnaivey@gov.nl.ca |
Tansy Mundon Director of Communications Department of Business, Tourism, Culture and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 693-1865 tansymundon@gov.nl.ca |
| Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
2014 10 28 3:45 p.m.