Newfoundland and Labrador is the only place in the western world where private sector businesses look to the government as the key to economic diversification:*
“If we have some guidance and support, take some initiative on our own, we can grow Corner Brook,” [ the vice president of the Greater Corner Board of Trade] said. “I think it is a great time to be doing business or setting up new business in this region. If people are interested in that, have an entrepreneurial spirit, to let that take control and get that business off the ground.”
There is no entrepreneurial spirit in Corner Brook, evidently, not if the local business association thinks that increasing government spending is the way to “grow” the economy.
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* Here’s the link left out of the original piece. The same e-mail correspondent who pointed out that glaring error in the timed post also noted that the quote doesn’t support the government hand-out thesis. Well, with the link to the whole story, it should now be clearer.
Diversification links to investment, but the investment sought is public cash:
Meanwhile, Goulding said it was important for these seven ministers [ on the cabinet committee] to realize the realities of the business sector in western Newfoundland and ensure that government does all it can to support business.
The vice-president said businesses need support and training in such areas as succession planning and getting business starts. In terms of attraction and retention of businesses, that is where he said the provincial government has to step up as a follow to the establishment of business retention and expansion co-ordinators and a performance management system for regional zone boards.
“What they need to do now is expand on those types of programs,” he said. “Let’s get those business retention and expansion co-ordinators out in the field, on the ground, talking to entrepreneurs and new and upcoming businesses to give them the support that they need.