Office of the Premier / Regional Development Corporation
Premier receives Miramichi Prosperity Task Force report (04/03/08)
NB 276
March 8, 2004
MIRAMICHI (CNB) - Premier Bernard Lord was in Miramichi today to receive the Miramichi Prosperity Task Force report, including its recommendations, from task force co-chairs Pam Ward and John "Jake" McLaughlin.
The report will serve as a foundation for the community to prepare a long-term plan of action to address the economic challenges facing the greater Miramichi region.
From
left: Michael "Tanker" Malley (MLA-Miramichi-Baie-du-Vin); task
force co-chair Pam Ward; Premier Bernard Lord; task force co-chair John
(Jake) McLaughlin, and Human Resources Minister Rose-May Poirier. (Large
photo.)
"I'm pleased to receive the report from the Miramichi Prosperity Task Force," Premier Lord said. "People in the greater Miramichi region working together is essential to building for the future and creating greater prosperity and opportunity for the region."
Ward and McLaughlin were joined by the other members of the Miramichi Prosperity Task Force in presenting the report to the premier.
In October 2003, the Miramichi Prosperity Task Force received the mandate from the Premier to draw up a focused plan of action for the Miramichi region. The 10 members of the task force reviewed all pertinent information and sought community input to recommend a plan of action to government by February 2004. The action plan focused on four themes:
- Economic diversification
- Education and training
- Research and development
- Strategic infrastructure
"Establishing the task force was an important initiative," Ward said to the premier. "We are convinced that you are committed to the economic renewal of the Miramichi region, and we trust that the recommendations included in our report will be helpful to the government in this regard."
The premier is expected to review the report's recommendations with cabinet and return to the Miramichi region in the spring to announce the implementation of the report through an action plan for the region.
04/03/08
EDITOR'S NOTE: A list of the recommendations contained in the Miramichi Prosperity Task Force report is attached. MEDIA CONTACT: Chisholm Pothier, Office of the Premier, 506-444-2286.
Recommendations contained in the Miramichi Prosperity Task Force report:
Recommendation # 1
A special fund should be established to finance the activities of the Miramichi Action Plan. The fund would be supplementary to current government programs and be administered by the Regional Development Corporation, which would also ensure adequate staffing to co-ordinate the implementation of the action plan. The fund should be for a specific amount and a specified time frame.
Recommendation # 2
A regional promotion strategy, focusing on the success stories and the strengths of the Miramichi region, should be developed and implemented.
Recommendation # 3
A program offering non-repayable contributions should be established for the Miramichi region; the program would apply both to new projects and to the expansion of existing operations.
Recommendation # 4
An investment tax credit program should be established for the Miramichi region; the program would apply both to new projects and to the expansion of existing operations.
Recommendation # 5
Government investment in employment-generating ventures in the region should be encouraged.
Recommendation # 6
Programs fostering and supporting youth entrepreneurship should be further encouraged and developed in order to increase the positive contributions of young people to the region.
Recommendation # 7
Resources should be allocated to support economic development in the region, particularly in outlying communities.
Recommendation # 8
A tourism strategy should be developed. The preparation of the strategy should be supported by the Miramichi Action Plan, possibly in conjunction with the neighbouring regions of Chaleur, the Acadian Peninsula and Kent. Funds from the action plan should also be made available to partner with others in the implementation of specific initiatives identified as part of the tourism development strategy for Miramichi.
Recommendation # 9
The province should encourage the development of a first-class icon attraction in the Miramichi to increase the number of tourists who make the region one of their key travel destinations.
Recommendation #10
Special consideration should be given to support the establishment of new businesses or expansion of existing IT firms in the Miramichi area.
Recommendation # 11
A more flexible program should be established to allow individuals to upgrade their levels of training and education while remaining active in the labour market.
Recommendation #12
The NBCC-Miramichi should review its existing programs and consider the establishment of new programs to optimize its contribution to the economic development of the region.
Recommendation #13
Support should be provided to continue existing university courses and a plan should be developed to increase the number of university programs on the Miramichi.
Recommendation # 14
An Applied Research and Innovation Centre should be established at NBCC-Miramichi.
Recommendation # 15
Governments should encourage the availability of broadband services to the remaining 20 per cent of Miramichi households, and measures should be undertaken to encourage the use of broadband by businesses and communities.
Recommendation # 16
Multifunctional youth centres should be established in the region.
04/03/08