Foreword from the Chair -
Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Growth

In the Fall of 1999, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador issued an invitation to all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians to participate in a process for taking the province's economic agenda to its next level.

An ad-hoc Committee of Cabinet, the Ministerial Committee on Jobs and Growth, which I had the pleasure of chairing, was created to lead this process.

The jobs and growth consultation consisted of 23 public sessions throughout the province and a series of 10 round-table sectoral forums with key stakeholders to explore the unique challenges and opportunities in the major sectors of our economy. The response to these consultations was tremendous. We heard from a diverse range of individuals and groups - economic and social development organizations at the community, regional and provincial levels; the business community; youth representatives; women's organizations; organized labour; municipalities; educators; and a host of other people.

In all, over 300 individuals and organizations made formal presentations or submissions to the Cabinet Committee on Jobs and Growth, and a similar number participated in the sectoral forums. The Cabinet Committee was impressed with the thought and care that people and organizations put into the process.

An Interim Report on Jobs and Growth was issued in March 2000. It outlined the major themes and key messages that emerged from the consultations and some initial priorities that government was able to act on immediately.

This Final Report on Jobs and Growth is a more comprehensive account of the direction government intends to pursue in advancing the economic agenda. It responds to the issues and challenges facing the people of Newfoundland and Labrador as conveyed through the consultations and presents an action oriented plan to maintain and build on our economic progress.

Government is committed to an open dialogue with stakeholders and the public in the implementation of the renewal strategy for jobs and growth. Annual "taking stock" sessions between industry groups, labour and the appropriate Ministers will be convened to ensure momentum is sustained. This is in keeping with the fundamental message delivered in the consultations that actions to move the economy forward must be developed and implemented in partnership with all stakeholders and that the jobs and growth agenda must be a "living" agenda, adapted and adjusted over time as circumstances may change.

It is clear that the people of this province have taken the consultation process seriously and want to make a real contribution in shaping our economic future. On behalf of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, I wish to express our gratitude and appreciation.

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