NLIS 4
March 15, 2005
(Executive Council)

Premier Williams says Speech from the Throne focuses on
culture, economic development and social issues

Commenting on today's Speech from the Throne, Premier Danny Williams said his government intends to build on the province's new optimism and confidence in the wake of the successful new agreement on the Atlantic Accord. This years Speech from the Throne focusses on government�s three main priorities for building a better future for Newfoundland and Labrador: investing in our culture; growing and diversifying our economy; and fulfilling our social responsibilities.

"Our Speech from the Throne this year builds upon the foundation for success we laid in our first year as a government," said Premier Williams. "Our accomplishments to date have been numerous and significant, and have perfectly positioned the province for economic growth, stronger rural communities and healthy, educated people."

Premier Williams said his government recognizes the value of cultural industries to Newfoundland and Labrador. "We must support our artists, writers, actors, musicians and entertainers. Not only are investments into our history and our culture necessary, they are wise investments into an industry that creates jobs, attracts tourists and spurs economic activity," added the premier. "I am so very proud that our government is focusing on fostering and nurturing our province�s rich and unique culture, because it is the culture of our people that helped us realize our goal of finally becoming true principal beneficiaries of our offshore resources. We must never lose sight of who we are as a people, and our government is proud to support the arts community and to enhance arts programming in our schools."

The premier indicated that economic growth and diversification will be hallmarks of this government. With new money coming on stream from the Atlantic Accord, government is much better positioned to deal with the serious fiscal situation facing the province. "Though $2 billion is a serious boost to our fiscal situation, we are still not out of the woods," said Premier Williams. "That is why our government is determined to take a fiscal approach that is strategic and responsible. Only then will we ensure that future generations benefit from our resources long after they have been developed. We will also continue to invest in areas of proven strength such as tourism marketing and marine and ocean technology, and small and medium size business. Initiatives such as these will be the catalyst to economic growth."

The premier added that this type of long-term, strategic planning is exactly what our rural communities need in order to ensure for a bright and prosperous future. The longer-term viability of many communities lies in the ability to adapt to changing conditions and to secure new opportunities. "We will be working closely with community development boards and local groups to make sure our new rural diversification and innovation strategies build on unique community strengths and capabilities."

The Speech from the Throne outlined plans for a number of sound investments to help keep people healthy and to promote healthy lifestyle choices. "We are committing resources to long-term care facilities planning, promoting smoke-free public places and developing nutrition guidelines for children," said the premier. "This focus on wellness and long-term planning is vital if we are to continue to provide timely and accessible healthcare. We are also undertaking a new poverty reduction strategy with a multi-departmental, community-based approach to determining the multi-rooted sources of poverty."

The Speech from the Throne also highlighted government�s commitment to a solid educational experience, from pre-school to post-secondary. "Education is something that we must promote and encourage if we have any hope of truly realizing our potential as a province," said the premier. "From safe and secure learning environments, to accessibility and affordability, we must give our students the tools they require to be the leaders of tomorrow."

Premier Williams said the Speech from the Throne is reflective of the themes which will emerge from Budget 2005, being brought down by Minister of Finance and President of Treasury Board, Loyola Sullivan on March 21, 2005. "There is little doubt that our government and our province have made substantial progress in the past year," said Premier Williams. "When we formed the government, the opportunities seemed completely overshadowed by the tremendous challenges. Today, just seventeen short months later, the opportunities are so great, so promising and so numerous that it is almost hard to believe. It has taken a great deal of work, effort, cooperation and some pain along the way, to get where we are today. However, the people of Newfoundland and Labrador are determined to continue to build on this the foundation for success."

Media contact: Elizabeth Matthews, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960, 690-5500; elizabethmatthews@gov.nl.ca

2005 03 15                       2:15 p.m.