Through unprecedented collaboration between the Provincial Government and the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Technology Industries (NATI); the Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA); the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Newfoundland and Labrador (CME-NL); the Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defense Association (ACADA); and other technology stakeholders, 27 actions were jointly launched today to grow the provincial technology industry.
The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, was joined by representatives of the organizations; ministers of the Cabinet Committee on Jobs; the Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence; the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of International Trade, as well as student, community, academic, and business leaders to announce these actions at the Verafin offices in St. John’s.
The Technology Work Plan outlines steps to increase technology sector business activity in Newfoundland and Labrador, and increase private sector jobs that support the creation, development and adoption of technology throughout the province. A key goal is to support the growth of 40 technology firms over the next two years. Actions launched today that are responsive to the needs of the provincial technology industry include:
- Supporting individuals to retrain for new careers in technology;
- Enhancing the development of K-12 technology skills through engagement with the technology industry, including increased exposure to coding and participation in youth technology experience programs;
- Promoting access to procurement opportunities for local technology sector firms through the provision of trade agreements and procurement legislation where such opportunities are for the purpose of economic development;
- Developing technology entrepreneurs through an industry-led mentorship program whereby established firms partner with and support new and existing tech entrepreneurs;
- Promoting technology innovation by convening an annual forum of government, industry and academic leaders to set annual priorities to align investments and ensure collaborative program delivery and partnerships; and
- Identifying and developing opportunities to leverage clean technology and related supports for development and adoption within industries.
Premier Ball and the Cabinet Committee on Jobs also launched a Global Locals initiative to connect Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. The webpage, which is a subset of A Rare Find, will enable individuals living elsewhere who have a connection to the province, or living in the province with global connections, to engage with government. As a complement to this, a social media page has been established on LinkedIn to connect Global Locals to each other.
A copy of the sector work plan and other materials presented at the technology industry summit can be found online at: www.gov.nl.ca/technologysummit.
As part of The Way Forward vision, the Provincial Government has directly engaged the aquaculture, agriculture, and technology sectors to address industry needs in ways that result in new employment and economic activity throughout Newfoundland and Labrador.
Quotes
“Our government is focused on supporting new economic activity and job creation. Together we will work with the technology industry to pursue opportunities and remove barriers to support technology sector growth. Our collaborative actions will accelerate the conditions necessary to foster innovation and adapt new technologies, stimulate new and expanding business activity, and increase private sector employment for residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador
“Provincial technology firms are developing and delivering innovative technology applications and solutions, and have strategic competencies in core areas such as subsea imaging, training simulation, wireless power and communication, energy solutions, and airborne intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. These technology firms create high paying jobs and employ highly skilled individuals. Fostering growth in this sector will foster creation of valuable new jobs and attract talent to the province to strengthen the provincial labour force.”
Honourable Christopher Mitchelmore
Minister of Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
“There’s opportunity in Newfoundland and Labrador to increase commercial activity and create new jobs in the area of clean technology adoption and development. The world economy is driving towards greater stewardship on carbon emissions and environmental impacts, and technology is in the driver’s seat. Those of our industries that capitalize on this reality in their operations here at home, or by exporting their expertise and services abroad, can achieve competitive advantage and growth. Unlocking the opportunity involves applying the right supports at the right junctures, and NEIA feels the technology work plan is a step towards putting that idea to practice. NEIA appreciates the opportunity to put a clean tech lens on the development of this work plan, and we’re looking forward to putting the plan to action with our partners in government, academia and industry.”
Alex Templeton
Chair, Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association
“Technology is an economic engine, generating $1.6 billion in revenue annually across 165 companies that employ 3,990 people in large centres and rural communities across the province. The innovation happening here is sought out by customers that span the globe, and we’ve just scratched the surface. We are excited there is a commitment to increasing technology literacy in the province because it is essential for today’s students and those considering job opportunities in technology. A high return industry, technology brings incredible potential for growth, sustainability, diversification and the retention of our young people including international graduates.”
Kendra MacDonald
Chair, NATI
“Canadian Manufacturing & Exporters NL Division’s Manufacturing Newfoundland and Labrador’s Future identified fostering innovation and technology investment as one of five steps to enhance competitiveness, strengthen the workforce and grow exports. CME, through the partnership and collaboration of provincial and federal governments, developed a standardized technology assessment and adoption diagnostic tool that will assist in identifying effective technology solutions, accelerate the adoption of advanced clean technology, enhance innovation, and advance the technology sector in Newfoundland and Labrador.”
Darren Letto
Chair of Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters – NL Division Advisory Board
“The Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defence Association would like to thank the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the opportunity to work collaboratively with the Cabinet Committee on Job during the past year. Aerospace and Defence historically has been a substantial user of technology, and this trend will continue to grow going forward. On behalf ACADA, I would like to congratulate the governments initiative in supporting the growth of technology that supports the Aerospace & Defence and other industries”.
Charles J Richer
Chair, Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defense Association (ACADA)
– 30 –
Learn More
Technology Summit Web Page – www.gov.nl.ca/technologysummit
Global Locals – www.globallocals.ca
Follow us on Twitter: @GovNL and @TCII_GovNL
Media contacts
Michelle Cannizzaro
Office of the Premier
709-729-3960
michellecannizzaro@gov.nl.ca
Tansy Mundon
Tourism, Culture, Industry and Innovation
709-729-4653; 693-1865
tansymundon@gov.nl.ca
Nancy Drover
NL Association of Technology Industries (NATI)
709.725.7070
nancy@nati.net
David Haire
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
709-685-5820
david.haire@cme-mec.ca
Kieran Hanley
Newfoundland & Labrador Environmental Industry Association
709-237-8190
kieran@neia.org
Jim Howse
Atlantic Canada Aerospace and Defense Association (ACADA)
902-425-0070 ext.7
jim@ac-ada.ca