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Support Growth in the Technology Sector

On-going

Way Forward Commitment:

Technology presents significant employment and business growth opportunities for our province. In 2018-19, our government will capitalize on the potential of technology to create jobs for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians by positioning the province for technological excellence and innovation. Our government will continue implementing The Way Forward on Technology through actions such as prioritizing the technology sector for Newfoundland and Labrador Provincial Nominee Program supports, and providing supports for unemployed skilled trade workers to retrain for technology-related occupations.

In 2018-19, we will also work in partnership with industry and academia to seize local opportunities flowing from the recent federal announcement on the establishment of an Oceans Supercluster in the Atlantic region.

What We’ve Accomplished:

  • The Provincial Government, in partnership with NATI, NEIA, CME, ACADA, NOIA and OceansAdvance, has established a methodology to define and measure technology sector development and growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.  As of 2017, the Newfoundland and Labrador technology sector includes 591 businesses employing 8, 739 employees.
  • Since November 2017, seven individuals have been nominated through the Provincial Nominee Program, and an additional ten individuals through the Atlantic Immigration Pilot Program, in technology-related occupations. These individuals were accompanied by 19 family members.
  • On April 16, 2018, the Provincial Government announced $250,000 to support a partnership with Brilliant Labs to provide youth in grades K-12 with hands-on participation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) focused activities.
  • On April 16, 2018, the Provincial Government also provided $150,000 for professional learning and resources for schools and two itinerant teaching units to support Brilliant Labs work.
  • On May 15, 2018, the Provincial Government announced support for Quorum Information Systems to develop a customer-facing tool that allows for a full auto purchasing process online. This will result in the creation of four new full-time positions.
  • The Skills Development Program under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement provides financial supports for EI-eligible individuals who are seeking full-time post-secondary training in areas including technology-related occupations. Through the Skills Development Program, 101 individuals are presently enrolled in technology-related training.
  • TCII is engaged with the Ocean Supercluster entity and partners to determine linkages to provincial priorities and opportunities.
  • TCII is working with pan-Atlantic partners to develop international market opportunities for the region’s ocean technology sector under the collaborative federal-provincial Atlantic Trade and Investment Growth Agreement.
  • On September 25, 2019, the Provincial Government announced the release of modernized aquaculture policies and procedures, including updated policies that set the stage for effectively managing our growing industry to become a world leader in environmentally sustainable aquaculture development. Highlights of the updates include:
    • policies that focus on industry accountability, environmental stewardship, and best practices that adhere to, or exceed, industry standards;
    • a strong, public reporting policy that enhances industry accountability and public trust;
    • clearer expectations around the selling and buying of licenses and sub-leasing processes; and
    • security bonding for any environmental remediation resulting from aquaculture activity.

News Releases:

Provincial Government Announces Support for Accelerated Growth Company
Premier Ball Announces Investment in Innovative Software Company
Fostering Youth Innovation through Coding and Technology
Refining Productivity through Innovative Methods
Ensuring Marine Safety with Innovative Solutions
Enhancing Sea Safety with Innovative Solutions
Provincial Government Working with Technology Sector to Outline Path for Further Growth
Modernized Aquaculture Policy and Procedures Established to Meet Needs of Growing Industry