Final Report on the Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth

2.0
Consultation Process

Why Consult?

The strength of any plan or strategy that addresses a major area of public policy, such as the economy, is the degree to which it reflects the views of the people of the province and has the support of the public. The jobs and growth renewal process has been built upon such a foundation. 

The process began with the release of a consultation document on September 27, 1999, followed by a series of public consultations held around the province. These open sessions were complemented by ten round-table forums covering each of the major sectors of the economy. In addition, an open invitation was issued for the submission of written briefs.

Public Consultations and Submissions

Initially, thirteen public consultation sessions were scheduled, beginning October 18, 1999. However, the response was so great that an additional ten sessions and four locations were added. The final public consultation session took place in Hopedale on February 7, 2000. In the end, twenty-three public sessions were held and over 300 formal presentations and submissions were presented to government.

Schedule of Consultations
Gander October 18, 1999
Grand Falls-Windsor October 19, 1999
Gander October 21, 1999
Harbour Breton October 25, 1999
Marystown October 26, 1999
Corner Brook October 28, 1999
St. Anthony November 1, 1999
Port-aux-Basques November 2, 1999
Whitbourne November 4, 1999
Happy Valley - Goose Bay November 8, 1999
Happy Valley - Goose Bay November 9, 1999
Labrador City November 9, 1999
New-Wes-Valley November 15, 1999
Clarenville November 22, 1999
St. John's November 23, 1999
St. John's November 24, 1999
Stephenville November 27, 1999
St. John's December 2, 1999
Mount Pearl December 8, 1999
St. John's December 9, 1999
St. John's January 6, 2000
St. John's January 11, 1999
Hopedale February 7, 2000

Sectoral Forums

The sectoral forums were equally successful in the extensive input they garnered from stakeholders. Participants were brought together to share their views on improving the business climate in each of the major sectors of the economy and to identify ways to enhance growth in their industries. The forums focussed on the following areas: oil and gas; forestry; mining; agrifoods; advanced technology industries; tourism; cultural industries; fisheries; aquaculture; and manufacturing. Almost 400 business, industry, academic, labour and community development representatives participated in the forums.

Who We Heard

Throughout the course of the consultation process, the views of a diverse range of individuals and groups were heard – 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 concerned individuals – to name just a few. A full list of those who made formal presentations and/or submissions is included in an appendix to this report.

 

"...(consultations) such as this...give government the chance to put a finger on the pulse of the province (and) gain new insights and perspectives on where we are and where we want to go from here."

- Ms. Eleanor Mauger,
Enviro-West Ltd, Port-aux-Basques

 

"... I just want to express full support to government and the committee in giving the people an opportunity to express their feelings on how to move this great province forward. Together we shall overcome."


- Mr. Ralph Dawe, Private Citizen
Conception Bay

"...government seems interested in understanding the environment that needs to be created and in getting advice on how to create it. We are pleased to see the dialogue started and look forward to it continuing."

- Advanced Technology Forum,
St. John's
Securing Our Future Together

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