I rise today to inform my colleagues that two companies have been granted Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises status, or EDGE, by the provincial government. These companies are making their mark on their respective industries, as well as the business world in general.

Dynamic Air Shelters Limited of Grand Bank designs and manufactures inflatable shelters for promotional and utility purposes. Their products are extremely versatile, and have many uses such as custom-shaped shelters for trade shows, shelters to protect industrial work sites, emergency response and crime scenes, as well as larger shelters for outdoor events and activities.

Under its EDGE status, and to help facilitate its economic development initiatives in the province, Dynamic Air Shelters plans to establish a new production facility in Grand Bank and manufacture and export its product for many years to come. The company expects to create 25 full-time, permanent positions in the short term, while long-term projections include upwards of 100 employees at the Grand Bank facility.

Two years ago the Newfoundland and Labrador Fur Breeders Association undertook the initiative to expand the fur breeding industry in this province. The initiative, supported by the provincial government, examined the potential to attract well-established and successful breeders from leading fur producing countries to establish mink farming businesses in this province.

After operating successful mink farms in Denmark for many years, Viking Fur Incorporated established an operation in Cavendish, Trinity Bay. Viking Fur is expanding its operation, which will lead to the creation of at least 10 positions, and possibly more during the breeding, weaning and pelting seasons. Denmark is the largest mink producing country in the world, producing over 12 million pelts or close to 40 per cent of total world production per year. We are fortunate to have attracted such a high level of expertise from such an established breeder.

By continuing to diversify our province�s regional economies by supporting enterprises such as Dynamic Air Shelters and Viking Fur, this government is demonstrating its solid commitment to rural Newfoundland and Labrador.

2006 05 25                          2:15 p.m.