For Immediate Release
March 24, 2016

ST. JOHN’S, NL – The Newfoundland and Labrador Environmental Industry Association (NEIA) says that the 2016 Federal Budget delivered on Tuesday offers the province a number of significant economic opportunities.

“The federal government is making considerable investments in green technologies and climate change mitigation,” says Ted Lomond, Executive Director of NEIA. “These investments range from municipal wastewater systems, to reducing emissions in the oil and gas industry, to the development of clean technologies – all of which can be addressed by local firms and educational institutions.”

Lomond says the federal government’s new focus on the environment provides the province with an enormous opportunity to diversify its economy. “Clean technologies can enhance productivity, increase efficiency and reduce waste in many important Newfoundland and Labrador industries. We are witnessing the federal government and its agencies emerge as major partners in the local development and commercialization of products and services that have global potential.”

Click here to view NEIA’s summary of federal budget provisions that provide opportunity for green economic growth in Newfoundland and Labrador.

“This budget also highlights national needs in areas of particular strength for Newfoundland and Labrador businesses,” Lomond notes. “Whether it is the provision of clean, safe drinking water, the effective treatment of wastewater, or the delivery of environmental services in remote areas, firms in this province are providing solutions that can be employed across Canada with the funding programs being made available. Supporting local businesses in pursuing these opportunities will directly benefit this province and position these firms to be leaders in their field.”

Lomond says funding is being made available to provinces, municipalities, firms, and community groups for a wide range of projects on variety of scales. “The collective challenge we face is being sufficiently responsive and creative to make the most of these prospects.” Newfoundland and Labrador has sometimes not been effective in obtaining its per-capita share of federal funding programs.” Lomond says a sense of urgency is required in this context as many of the federal investments are going to be made in the short-term.

“In order to capitalize on these opportunities, firms must be alert to the potential, municipalities must be proactive, and the provincial government must be agile in its response and swift in the alignment of policy framework and supports.”

NEIA is a not-for-profit association of businesses that supports the growth and development of the green economy in Newfoundland and Labrador. NEIA has over 200 members.

Media Contact
Kieran Hanley
kieran@neia.org
709.237.8190

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