Regional Economic Development – A Path to Rural Sustainability
For immediate release
Jan 24, 2024
The future success of rural Newfoundland and Labrador relies on a regional approach to economic development.
Community leaders have committed to moving forward with regional approaches to economic development, following the Regional Economic Development (RED) workshop 2023, which focused on the recommendations in the RED Task Force final report.
More than 70 people from 30 organizations – municipalities, community organizations, businesses, post-secondary institutions – came together for the day-long workshop in December 2023. At the end of the day, participants walked away with identified goals and a commitment to support regional economic development approaches.
These goals include:
- Develop, coordinate and engage a provincial network of organizations interested in a more integrated approach to RED
- Encourage, support and build the capacity among diverse organizations for working together at the community or regional level on RED
- Develop or secure more flexible funding that can be used to support the day-to-day operations and community/regional engagement needed for integrated RED
- Develop and deliver RED training programs, regional and provincial workshops, orientation materials, “how-to” guides, etc. for professional and volunteer practitioners
- Look at harnessing DEI and multi-culturalism to increase engagement and economic growth and development
- Develop a process to enable municipalities and manage and realize the economic development potential of community land supply
The RED workshop was organized and presented by Municipalities NL, Community Business Development Corporation NL, Community Sector Council NL, and The Harris Centre.
“MNL has long advocated for a regional approach to local government, including economic development initiatives. By cooperating, instead of competing, municipalities can realize the full potential of economic development opportunities in their region. MNL looks forward to advancing regional economic development initiatives and supporting the efforts of our members.” – Amy Coady, MNL President
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Media contact
Tobias Romaniuk
Communications and Marketing Officer
Municipalities Newfoundland and Labrador
tromaniuk@municipalnl.ca
709 725 1440
Background
Regional Economic Development Task Force final report (PDF)