November 27, 2020 · Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland and Labrador · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)
Strong rural communities are essential to a thriving Atlantic Canadian economy. This is why the federal government is working closely with its many partners to help diversify the regional economy and create jobs. Through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Government of Canada is helping to expand rural tourism opportunities in Gros Morne and build a strong, sustainable and inclusive economy.
Strengthening tourism through collaboration and capacity building
Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, along with the Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced a total contribution of $330,000 for the Gros Morne Co-operating Association to develop a regional plan to boost sustainable tourism and strengthen the seven communities within Gros Morne National Park.
The new plan will identify tourism growth initiatives for each community to help the Gros Morne region achieve its full tourism potential when it is safe to travel. It will also reinforce the spirit of cooperation through the development of a Tourism Accord.
This project builds upon Gros Morne's participation in ACOA's Strategic Tourism for Areas and Regions (STAR) program, which provided a framework for tourism development in the region. The Gros Morne Co-operating Association is undertaking the initiative in partnership with the STAR committee.
Today's announcement is further proof of the Government of Canada's commitment to communities, non-profit organizations and businesses in Atlantic Canada - helping them not just survive, but thrive. Initiatives like this one will help grow the tourism sector and ensure that all communities can play a major role in Canada's economic recovery.
Quotes
"Our tourism industry has been hit hard by COVID-19, and rural communities have been particularly affected. This investment in the Gros Morne Co-operating Association will lead to stronger and sustainable communities in this beautiful area of Newfoundland and Labrador. This support will help the region's tourism sector come back strong when travel restrictions are lifted."
- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
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"The Gros Morne region has a rich history, amazing people, spectacular landscape and a natural beauty that's second to none. There's so much for residents and visitors to explore and discover. This funding will enable the Gros Morne Co-operating Association to build upon the great work it is doing to help our communities thrive, and further develop the region's tourism sector so it comes out of this pandemic in as strong a position as possible. We need this important work now more than ever."
- Gudie Hutchings, Member of Parliament for Long Range Mountains and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Rural Economic Development
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"Our government remains committed to supporting regional economic development initiatives that have a positive impact on the provincial economy and employment. Despite these challenging times, we continue to build on existing provincial and federal supports to help identify, grow and develop new tourism related opportunities throughout the Humber-Gros Morne region. Today's announcement complements the work of the Gros Morne Co-operating Association, and will enable the group to attract even more travelers to this beautiful region."
- Honourable Andrew Furey, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, and MHA of Humber-Gros Morne
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"Gros Morne is much more than a National Park to residents - it's their home, a place they love and value. The Gros Morne Regional Tourism Plan will lay the foundation for sustainable development that will respect and reflect the values of residents and visitors for many generations to come."
- Colleen Kennedy, Executive Director, Gros Morne Co-operating Association
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"The goal of this project is to foster municipal collaboration among the communities of Gros Morne and to create a strong community planning imperium that will support future growth and investment in tourism."
- Todd Wight, Chair, STAR Committee
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Quick facts
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The Government of Canada, through ACOA's Business Development Program, is providing a non-repayable contribution of $247,500 towards the project.
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Parks Canada and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) are contributing $10,000 each.
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The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is contributing $82,500.
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The Gros Morne Co-operating Association is a not-for-profit volunteer-based organization. The association works with Gros Morne National Park to support and supplement the protection, preservation and interpretation of the park's heritage. Its products and services help visitors and residents better understand the important natural and human history of the park area.
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The Gros Morne region includes the Gros Morne National Park and seven communities: Rocky Harbour, Norris Point, St. Pauls, Cow Head, Trout River, Woody Point and Glenburnie-Birchy Head-Shoal Brook.
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ACOA's Strategic Tourism for Areas and Regions (STAR) program is a regional tourism development program designed to support economic growth in large tourism regions in Atlantic Canada by encouraging strategic and collaborative destination development. It consists of a seven-step process carried out over 12-18 months.
