MINISTERIAL STATEMENT

by the

Honourable Beaton Tulk
Development and Rural Renewal

November 18, 1998

Mr. Speaker. Earlier this week I had the pleasure of proclaiming this week as the first annual Crafts Week. I would invite all Members of this House to join me in acknowledging and celebrating the important contribution the craft industry is making to the economy of our Province.

Mr. Speaker. The Newfoundland and Labrador craft industry is very diverse, consisting of self-employed enterprises to small scale niche manufacturing companies, most of which are based in rural areas of the Province. In the past ten years, the craft industry has grown five fold to its present annual value of more than $25 million, of which over $4 million is in export sales.

The Department of Development and Rural Renewal, in partnership with the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Development Association, supports the industry through a variety of programs, all of which are aimed at strengthening and growing individual craft producers. Particular attention is being given to enhancing the marketing capabilities of producers and exposing them to new market opportunities nationally and internationally. Increased sales at home and abroad lead directly to new jobs, and producers in this Province have proven they can compete with the very best. This past year alone saw several producers win national trade show competitions for the quality, distinctiveness and market acceptance of their products.

Mr. Speaker. I am also pleased to inform the House today that the Province will be the official host of the annual Atlantic Craft Trade Show in February of next year. This will be a significant opportunity to showcase the many talents of our producers. This is the only wholesale craft trade show in Canada and is managed as a partnership among the four Atlantic Provinces. Newfoundland and Labrador will be well represented at this event. Over 30 local producers are expected to present their products to more than 2,000 buyers from all around the world. Trade shows such as these have assisted Newfoundland and Labrador craft producers secure markets as far away as Germany and Japan.

Mr. Speaker. I would also like to draw Members= attention to the annual Christmas Craft Fair sponsored by the Newfoundland and Labrador Craft Development Association, which will open this Thursday at Memorial Stadium in St. John=s. You will see there many of the fine crafts, apparel and giftware that are earning the Newfoundland and Labrador craft industry a national and international reputation for excellence. Better still, I urge all Members to purchase locally made crafts as gifts for the holiday season. You will be supporting the local industry and demonstrating your impeccable taste at the same time. Please join with me in celebrating the success of this vibrant and growing industry in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Thank you.