Tourism, Industry and Innovation
February 22, 2017

New Department to Support Culture of Entrepreneurship and Innovation

The establishment of the Department of Tourism, Industry and Innovation is aligned with the Provincial Government�s focus on supporting business development and increased innovation in traditional and knowledge-based industries. The new department has been structured to be leaner, more efficient, and more effective in responding to the needs of the business sector, and advancing initiatives outlined in The Way Forward aimed at developing a stronger economic foundation for Newfoundland and Labrador.

�As a government, we are focused on promoting a competitive and business-friendly environment that fosters economic growth. With the realignment of this department, the structure is in place to advance economic development with lines of business that are easier to navigate for our partners in the business community.�
- The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Innovation

As part of its mandate, the new department will target high growth businesses and support them to capitalize on new market opportunities, as well as undertake expanded sector research. As part of fulfilling its mandate, the department will advance initiatives outlined in The Way Forward that include:

• Implementing a regional innovation systems pilot project,
• Establishing a major investment projects unit,
• Implementing a provincial tourism product development plan,
• Implementing more effective business financing,
• Introducing Status of the Artist legislation,
• Creating a business innovation agenda,
• Increasing the number of social enterprises, and,
• Doubling resident and non-resident visitor spending by 2020.

For more information on these initiatives, visit www.gov.nl.ca/pdf/the_way_forward.pdf .

In addition, the responsibility for parks within the former Department of Environment and Climate Change will be realigned within the Department of Tourism, Industry and Innovation in keeping with its mandate to advance the tourism industry.

�Through implementation of the initiatives outlined in The Way Forward and assisting businesses improve their productivity and adopt the use of new technologies, we will advance tourism, entrepreneurship, and economic development. We look forward to working closely with our community and industry partners to advance these initiatives that will improve conditions for economic and business success.�
- Minister Mitchelmore

Websites, as well as documentation for the department, will be changed to reflect the new department.

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Media contact:

Eric Humber Media Relations Manager Department of Tourism, Industry and Innovation 709-729-4819, 725-9655 erichumber@gov.nl.ca

2017 02 22                              1:35 p.m.