The following statement was read in the House of Assembly today by the Honourable Lin Paddock, Minister of Jobs, Growth and Rural Development:

Speaker, I am pleased to rise to acknowledge the growth of a Newfoundland and Labrador company, North Atlantic. The Premier and the Minister of Energy and Mines were on hand to mark the official opening of the company’s new 30,000-square-foot headquarters on Kelsey Drive in St. John’s.

From supporting key industries to serving communities across Newfoundland and Labrador, North Atlantic has built a strong reputation through its professionalism and commitment to customers. In just three years, the company has expanded from 130 employees to almost 500 operating in three provinces, and another 1,500 employees in France.

This new headquarters represents a clear signal of confidence in North Atlantic’s workforce, its business and this province. It also reflects how North Atlantic has evolved, strengthening its presence in areas such as energy, logistics and marine services, and positioning itself to help shape the future of our economy.

Speaker, our government is focused on creating conditions that allow companies like North Atlantic to grow, invest and create meaningful jobs. When businesses succeed, communities grow stronger.

We congratulate North Atlantic on this achievement, and we will continue to work with them to build a stronger, more competitive Newfoundland and Labrador for all of us.