SHARING THE WEALTH OVERVIEW

 These are rapidly changing times in Newfoundland and Labrador. A vast increase in resource revenue from offshore oil, mining and other developments will bring enormous economic wealth to the province.

  The labour movement has a leadership role to play in the debate over the future of our rural communities. Over time there has been considerable discussion and a number of initiatives, but the amount of real investment and new ideas to sustain the economy of our outport communities have been inadequate.  Our new found wealth must be shared with all regions of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

 The Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Labour (NLFL) has a keen interest in the development of public policy in areas which impact our province both economically and socially. In line with this the NLFL is undertaking a two year initiative commencing in early 2008 aimed at engaging and broadening the debate amongst workers, civil society organizations and community leaders around the sustainability of rural communities in Newfoundland and Labrador.  The focus will be on key public policy issues important to the social and economic development of our province, communities and the people that reside in them.

   The NLFL has coordinated research that will serve to educate and inform participants on various public policy mechanisms that have been implemented in other jurisdictions to address challenges similar to those currently present in NL. This research will form the basis for a presentation and subsequent discussion aimed at generating innovative recommendations that will be presented to government. Regional workshops will be conducted throughout the province with labour and other partners to stimulate discussion on the challenges being faced in different regions and on possible solutions.

 Subsequent to those workshops, a provincial symposium will be held at the conclusion of the regional workshops to further highlight the findings of the research and discussions, and to focus on a collaborative and collective approach to the challenges facing our province.

Discussion Forum Port Union

 Discussion Forum New Wes Valley

Discussion Forum Stephenville

Discussion Forum Grand Falls

Discussion Forum Marystown