Innovation, Business and Rural Development
Fisheries and Aquaculture
July 18, 2014
The following is being distributed at the request of the Research & Development Corporation:
Economy Strengthened by Investments in Workplace Skills Enhancement
Aquaculture Industry Supported Through Strategic Investments
The Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association (NAIA) is better positioned to support the finfish and shellfish sectors as a result of over $25,000 in funding from the Provincial Government. Funding will assist NAIA with staff training and skill development, in an effort to increase capacity and implement a Farm Based Quality Certification Program for the province’s finfish and shellfish sectors.
“Having employees with the right skill-set is critical to business success and growth. Training and skill development reduces inefficiencies, better prepares businesses and ultimately leads to increased productivity. I am pleased that this $25,188 in funding will assist NAIA in their strategic support of the aquaculture industry and in growing the industry in a sustainable manner.”
- The Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development
NAIA will receive $25,188 under the Workplace Skills Enhancement program in order to assist staff with technical training in food safety, processing activities, and quality management and certification programs, which have been identified as critical needs in the globally competitive seafood sector.
“This government is committed to helping provincial seafood producers enhance their operations and pursue competitive advantage. This funding will enable staff training and skill development that will strengthen their operations and ultimately help their performance when serving markets throughout the world.”
- The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture
This investment builds on previous commitments to skills training for the aquaculture industry.
“The economic opportunities in aquaculture are huge right now but operators in regions like the Coast of Bays can only take advantage if they can compete worldwide, and investments in skills enhancement like these put them in a position to do that. Having employees with the right skill-set is critical to business success and growth, especially in rural communities.”
- Tracy Perry, MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune
The Workplace Skills Enhancement program provides non-repayable contributions for skills development of existing employees for up to 75 per cent of eligible costs. The program includes advanced skills training, technical skill development, workplace training and specific skills upgrading or industry-recognized certification.
“Newfoundland and Labrador’s blue mussel industry has made tremendous strides in recent years, reaching record production levels in 2013. The outlook for 2014 is even brighter. Having a trained and skilled workforce is essential if we want to continue to develop a shellfish industry that provides long-term employment and prosperity to our coastal communities. Today’s announcement is a positive step forward for our growing industry.”
- Miranda Pryor, Executive Director, NAIA
NAIA is a non profit organization with a mandate to facilitate and promote commercial development of aquaculture and represents the interests of aquaculturists in Newfoundland and Labrador.
QUICK FACTS
- NAIA will receive $25,188 in funding from the Provincial Government to assist with staff training and skill development and the implementation of a Farm Based Quality Certification Program for the finfish and shellfish sectors.
- The Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development offers a wide range of services and assistance to established and potential business owners. Additional information can be found at: www.ibrd.gov.nl.ca/programs/WSEP.html.
- Additional information on NAIA can be found at: www.naia.ca .
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
Jason Card Director of Communications Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture 709-729-3733, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca |
Miranda Pryor Executive Director, NAIA 709-754-2854, Ext. 2 miranda@naia.ca | Carolyn Collier Constituency Assistant to Tracey Perry MHA for Fortune Bay - Cape La Hune 709-538-3112 |
2014 07 18 10:25 a.m.