Minister Hutchings concludes successful trip to engage with rural stakeholders and partners in Newfoundland and Labrador Français
OTTAWA, ON, July 26, 2022 /CNW Telbec/ - Yesterday, the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development, concluded a tour of Newfoundland and Labrador as part of her ongoing discussions and engagement with rural partners and stakeholders across the province. The priorities and issues discussed in these meetings will help inform the design and development of the federal policies and programs that support the economic recovery and growth, as well as the resilience, of rural Canada.
During her stops, Minister Hutchings met with municipal, industry and community leaders. She discussed local economic priorities, such as helping small businesses grow and improving affordability for rural Canadians, with the Mayor of Lewisporte, Krista Freake. She also visited the Lewisporte Marina, the largest in Atlantic Canada, to learn about the importance of the marina to the local economy and the incredible opportunities it provides to the community. She then met with members of the Gander and Area Chamber of Commerce for a roundtable discussion, during which they committed to working together to attract local talent, address local housing needs and grow the tourism sector in rural Newfoundland and Labrador.
In Twillingate, Minister Hutchings visited the new lifeboat station that was built two years ago for the Canadian Coast Guard, thanks to a $8.3 million investment as part of the Oceans Protection Plan, which has strengthened protections for our coasts and wildlife, improved marine traffic and incident management, and advanced partnerships with Indigenous communities. Minister Hutchings also met with the business operators who are committed to maintaining and creating well-paying jobs in rural Newfoundland and Labrador. She visited Superior Glove's factory in Point Leamington, which produces thousands of gloves each day for workers of all industries and is one of Canada's top places to work.
The trip concluded with an Atlantic Growth Strategy (AGS) meeting in St. John's. The AGS is a federal and provincial approach to strengthening Atlantic Canada's economy through regional development. Minister Hutchings joined provincial premiers and federal ministers to discuss regional priorities, including skilled workforce and immigration, innovation, trade and investment, clean growth and climate change, and infrastructure.
"This past week, I had the opportunity to hear from Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in rural communities across the province about how inflation is having a real impact on Canadian families—from higher grocery bills to higher prices at the pump. Much like we've done over these past two years, our government will continue to help Canadians weather this newest challenge. We have a plan that includes real and tangible steps to help make life more affordable for Canadians this year, such increasing Old Age Security by 10%, enhancing the Canada Workers Benefit up to $2,400, and introducing a $500 payment for renters struggling to pay their bills. I look forward to continuing to engage with Canadians in every part of the country to ensure that rural communities reach their full potential and are part of Canada's economic recovery.
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development
- Atlantic Canada's premiers and federal ministers met on July 24 and 25 to renew Atlantic Growth Strategy (AGS) priorities at the first AGS meeting since 2019.
- In July 2022, the Government of Canada launched a new phase of Canada's Ocean Protection Plan to strengthen protections for our coasts and wildlife.
- The Government of Canada has made billions of dollars available for rural and remote Internet infrastructure to help ensure that all Canadians have access to fast and reliable Internet, no matter where they live.
- In total, $2.75 billion will be made available through the Universal Broadband Fund to support Canadians' high-speed connectivity needs in rural and remote communities.
- The Government of Canada is on track to meet its goal to connect 98% of Canadians across the country to high-speed Internet by 2026, and all Canadians by 2030.
- High-speed Internet access will provide rural and remote communities with a key tool for economic and social development, enabling businesses to grow and provide jobs in the community and allowing residents to access better health care and education.
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SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada
Jeremy Bellefeuille, Director of Communications, Office of the Minister of Rural Economic Development, 343-551-0898, [email protected]; Media Relations, Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada, [email protected]
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