3.0 What we Heard

Changing Attitudes and Growing Confidence

Throughout the province there is optimism and confidence that the province. s economy has turned the corner - that the economy is stronger and more diversified than it was a few short years ago - and that we have bright prospects in our future.

"we in this province have been through a lot lately...and there have been lots of discouraging times. But we haven't quit. We're still open for business."

- Ms. Linda Brett, Emerald Corporation

This has led to a major shift in the attitude of the people of our province. A "can do" philosophy and approach permeated every consultation session, even in those communities facing the most difficult of economic circumstances.

People recognize that challenges continue to confront us, but almost every presenter in the consultations put forward constructive views and suggestions on how to overcome them and identified ways of seizing the many opportunities available to us.

People and communities are taking charge of their own futures. They see government as a partner in this challenge, not as the sole architect of our economic future. There is growing confidence in our ability to achieve success.

A Sound Agenda for Jobs and Growth

Our economic recovery is real and our people recognize that it did not just happen by accident. It has been the result of a clear and shared vision. It has been the result of a plan of action for jobs and growth based on consultation with the people of the province. It has also been the result of the leading role volunteers have played in their communities.

"Newfoundland is moving ahead on new strong legs. We have become a more visinary people. Our flexibility and willingness to try new things and explore new industry is at an all-time high."

- Mr. Jason Beck, Youth Representative Kittiwake Economic Development Corporation

Our people have indicated that we are on the right track - that the broad principles that have guided our recovery are fundamentally sound. We also heard that we need to recommit to these principles and find innovative ways to build on them to propel us forward. Our people also recognize that we need to maintain a long term perspective in our jobs and growth agenda - "quick-fixes" simply do not work and are no longer acceptable to our people.

Government therefore recommits to the following principles in its jobs and growth agenda:

Maintaining a strategic focus by targeting industries in which we have, or can develop, a competitive advantage and which offer the opportunity for long-term jobs and growth. We must also be strategic in our actions and investments to support new opportunities.

Helping our people acquire new skills in a changing and increasingly knowledge-based economy.

Diversifying our economy to produce goods and services that are internationally competitive in quality and value.

Supporting the enterprising spirit of the private sector as the engine of economic growth. Government's role is to create an economic and social environment that allows private enterprise to be competitive and stimulate lasting economic growth.

Fostering innovation and technological progression in the economy to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

"It is appropriate...to take a holistic approach to economic development...integrating economic with social development. This approach will provide a better environment (for) our economy to flourish."

- Ms. Barbara Brook, Gander Economic Development Task Force

Building consensus about the need for change and creating strategic partnerships among governments, business, labour, academia, and community-based organizations to achieve common goals and to build economic success.

Encouraging entrepreneurship and helping small business grow.

Concentrating on sustainable economic development by managing our natural resources and environmental conservation efforts with a view to achieving long term benefits for everyone.

Revitalizing all regions of the province and our rural communities, to ensure fairness in the distribution of wealth and economic opportunity. The needs and opportunities of Labrador deserve particular attention in this regard.

Maintaining a sound foundation of government supports through an efficient and effective public service, modern infrastructure, and prudent fiscal management.

Integrating social and economic development to coordinate investments and achieve common objectives over the long term.

Obtaining full and fair benefits from our resources. This means taking a long term view of our opportunities and choices. It also means balancing the need to capture maximum benefits with the need to remain competitive and attractive to potential investors.

Providing equality of opportunity for all citizens, recognizing our diversity. The jobs and growth agenda must be an inclusive one to ensure fairness. The challenge of providing opportunity for our youth is particularly important.

Meeting the Challenge

While our progress has been substantial, people told us we can do even better. Challenges clearly remain, especially in rural areas.

"We believe we are embarking upon a new chapter in the history of our province... we believe we are more ready than ever to help set that course for the future, shape our destiny and relize our potential"

-Mr. Gerald Thompson, Exploits Regional Chamber of Commerce

Five major themes emerged from the consultations. These represent the key areas of attention that were suggested by people to advance the jobs and growth agenda. They are:

1. capturing strategic growth opportunities;
2. creating the right environment for economic development;
3. investing in education, training and youth;
4. adopting new partnerships for collaboration and cooperation; and
5. building stronger communities and stronger regions within the province.

These themes and the strategies to address them will be developed more fully in the coming months. In the interim, government is already acting on some of the ideas brought forward in the consultations. These are noted as priorities for action in the following parts of the report.

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