Citizens and Government Come Together
at Visions to Actions � A Roadmap to 2020
Visions to Actions � A Roadmap to 2020 marks an important step in
the Provincial Government�s strategy to build strong, sustainable rural
communities. The conference will provide the forum for citizens, through
the regional and provincial councils, with the opportunity to
collaborate with the key decision-makers to help build a roadmap to
enhance sustainability of the province�s rural communities.
"This government is committed to working with citizens to build
strong and sustainable rural regions," said the Honourable Danny
Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador. "Engaging citizens to
create a shared vision and a clear pathway to regional sustainability is
a key step in achieving our goal. I am confident that this forum will
enable us to identify the appropriate actions required to address rural
challenges and maximize opportunities."
The conference, scheduled for November 7-9 in Gander, will expand
upon the Rural Secretariat�s Dialogue Days previously held in
Port Blandford in 2004, Marble Mountain in 2005, and Rocky Harbour in
2006. Participants will include 14 Cabinet mnisters, three MHAs, all
regional and provincial council members of the Rural Secretariat, senior
public officials, community stakeholders, and youth from across the
province. Discussion will include, but not limited to, how best to
attract, retain, and engage youth, along with economic, labour market,
social and demographic issues facing rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
"By working collectively and using innovative thinking at all levels
we can establish modern, diverse economies. Through the Rural
Secretariat we have opened-up dialogue between communities, regions, and
governments," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister Responsible
for the Rural Secretariat. "This conference provides the platform to
develop a range of actions and initiatives that will lead to vibrant
economies that will encourage people to stay and work in our province."
Premier Williams and Minister Taylor will both address the
conference. There will also be presentations by Dr. Sharon Manson
Singer, president of the Canadian Policy Research Network, and Dr. Ivan
Emke of Sir Wilfred Grenfell College in Corner Brook.
"The conference offers the platform for citizens to discuss regional
issues directly with policy-makers and to put forward solutions that are
sustainable, achievable, and realistic," said Sheila Kelly-Blackmore,
chair of the provincial council of the Rural Secretariat. "By committing
to work together government and citizens take a shared responsibility in
developing strategies to strengthen rural regions of the province."
The Rural Secretariat focuses on the sustainable development of all
regions of the province. It facilitates information-sharing, informed
dialogue and collaboration within the region and between government and
communities. The Rural Secretariat conducts research, facilitates
partnerships and engages citizens to become more informed on regional
issues.
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Media contact:
Scott Barfoot
Director of Communications
Rural Secretariat
709-729-4570, 690-6290
scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca
2007 11 07 10:00 a.m.