Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
July 11, 2017
Provincial Government Supports the South Coast
The Provincial Government continues its commitment to sustainable regions in Newfoundland and Labrador. The Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore, Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation, visited the south coast and announced almost $340,000 for various economic and business development initiatives in the area.
The Mi’kmaq Alsumk Mowimsikik Koqoey Association, a partnership of Miawpukek First Nation and Qalipu Mi’kmaq First Nation Band, is receiving $115,005 through the Regional Development Fund, to establish an Oceans Learning Partnership program in the Coast of Bays Region. This program will help raise awareness of aquatic resource management issues and concerns with the Aboriginal youth and other youth in the region through youth initiatives, while encouraging their participation and input. In addition, the Miawpukek First Nation (MFN) Band Council will receive $16,000 from the Regional Development Fund to investigate the feasibility of re-purposing a former school building for alternate economic development use.
Carter Holdings Inc., will use investments of $149,920 from the Business Investment Fund, for various developments including structural improvements and quality upgrades to the Southern Port Hotel in Harbour Breton; as well as the addition of four cottages to increase its accommodations capacity and meet the demand of the growing tourism industry in the Coast of Bays region.
TayAus Diving Limited is establishing a diving operation to service the growing aquaculture industry in the Coast of Bays region, as a result of a $59,000 term loan from the Business Investment Fund. This loan will assist in purchasing machinery and equipment, the completion of a building, as well as provide working capital for the initial startup. In addition, the creation of a diving operation enhances the competitiveness of the region’s aquaculture operations contributing to stability and growth. This investment aligns government’s partnership with the aquaculture industry through the Cabinet Committee on Jobs.
In keeping with the Provincial Government’s commitment to foster an environment where business can excel, the Cabinet Committee on Jobs is engaging industry in joint decision making aimed at stimulating new business activity and creating new private sector jobs for residents throughout the province. The Cabinet Committee on Jobs is one of a number of economic initiatives included in The Way Forward vision. Achieving the targets outlined in the vision will support approximately 14,000 person years of employment annually in the province.
Quotes
"Our government is pleased to support initiatives which will help to strengthen and ensure the long-term sustainability of the south coast. Sustainable regions are a key priority for the Provincial Government, and we continue to work with many partners to ensure our investments are made to support regional and industry opportunities.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“Miawpukek First Nation is quite pleased with the funding from the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation to enable us to equip ‘The Wooden Heat’ vessel for experiential learning and youth engagement. The expansion of the Ocean Learning program to the Coast of Bays is a very positive development not only for our Aboriginal youth but for all youth in the Coast of Bays. We look forward to working with the Ocean Learning Partnership team, Newfoundland Aquaculture Industry Association, the schools, and other partners to making this a great initiative.”
Chief Mi’sel Joe
Miawpukek First Nation
“The assistance provided by the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation has allowed us to upgrade our facilities to provide better services and quality accommodations to our customers. It also allows us to make additional personal investments in other amenities and services that will even further enhance our local tourism and hospitality business. We will also be increasing our capacity to allow more partnerships with other tourism operators such as tour buses to provide tourists the experiences that only exist on the south coast and in the Coast of Bays region.”
Bill Carter
Owner, Carter Holdings Inc.
“Funding for small businesses helped to start a much needed service for the aquaculture industry that is growing rapidly on the south coast. Funding through the Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation was critical in getting my company up and running.”
Luke Ingersoll
Owner, TayAus Diving Ltd.
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Learn More
Department of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation - www.tcii.gov.nl.ca
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Media contacts
Eric Humber
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4819, 725-9655
erichumber@gov.nl.ca
Chief Mi’sel Joe
Miawpukek First Nation
709-882-2470 Ext. 1265
sagamaw@mfngov.ca
Bill Carter
Carter Holdings Inc.
709-885-5816
billcarter@nf.aibn.com
Luke Ingersoll
TayAus Diving Ltd.
709-885-6658
2017 07 07 12:20 p.m.