Coast of Bays Corporation

Securing Our Future Together Consultations The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth
L-R: MHAs Anna Thistle, Ernest McLean, Beaton Tulk, Roger Grimes, Sandra Kelly and Oliver Langdon
Tracey Perry presents a brief on the economy of the Coast of Bays region. Bill Carter talks about the potential of the blue mussel industry.	On Monday, October 25, a committee of government ministers was in the Coast of Bays region to hear the ideas and observations of the people of the region regarding job creation and growth. This was part of a pan-provincial series of consultations to be used in developing a plan to renew the province's economic agenda. At the consultation held in Harbour Breton, the panel heard from Tracey Perry, Executive Director of the Coast of Bays Corporation, who spoke about the opportunities that exist in this region, the challenges faced and some suggestions for future implementation. She also talked about the FRAM-ED program and the need for continued support of the scallop hatchery in Belleoram.

Tracey stressed the importance of the traditional fishery and aquaculture industries to the economic prosperity of the Coast of Bays.

Charlene Tibbo, a youth representative on the Coast of Bays Board of Directors, discussed the importance of the first job experience for youth, student summer jobs and the possibility of year-round student jobs to help offset the cost of attending post secondary education. She pointed out the need for more promotion of student job programs to the business community.

Doug Rose, Mayor of the Town of Hermitage-Sandyville, talked about the mussel farming industry, the pink granite quarry near the town and the importing and exporting of goods and services in general. Other mayors of the region talked about the importance of the traditional fishery, tourism infrastructure, the importance of partnerships and the need for changes to the EI legislation.

There were also presentations by some entrepreneurs in the region telling of their experiences trying to get a business started and getting into the export market.

From here, the committee travels to nine other venues in the province to hear first-hand the experiences, views and suggestions of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians.

For more information about the Coast of Bays, contact:
Tracey Perry, Executive Director
Coast of Bays Corporation
P.O. Box 310
St. Alban's, Newfoundland
A0H 2E0
Tel: 709-538-3552
Fax: 709-538-3627
Toll Free: 1-800-205-0799 ( In Newfoundland and Labrador Only )
E-mail: inquiries@coastofbays.nl.ca