Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador Continues to Develop and Advance Local Craft Industry
News Release
Crafters and artisans to benefit from sector support, residency programs, strategic planning and product development
November 8, 2017 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
Craftspeople live and work in every community across Canada, from the smallest town to the largest city, creating quality products for domestic and international markets and creating employment for Canadians. Through an investment of more than $151,000 from the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador (CCNL) will continue to support and enhance craft sector development throughout the province, benefiting both craftspeople and customers.
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament for St. John’s East, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA, announced the funding today.
With a membership of approximately 300 craft producers across Newfoundland and Labrador, CCNL is a not-for-profit, member-based organization that works to maximize the artistic and economic potential of the province’s craft community.
Through this investment from ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP), CCNL will continue its craft sector development activities centred around key strategic areas including sector support and planning; the Devon House fine craft gallery; the Gros Morne Residency; and cultural craft product development in Labrador.
The CCNL is also celebrating its 44th Annual Christmas Craft Fair, November 9-12, 2017 at the Jack Byrne Arena.
This investment builds on the Government of Canada and the four Atlantic Provinces’ commitment to drive economic growth in Atlantic Canada through the Atlantic Growth Strategy. This strategy involves targeted actions to stimulate Atlantic Canada's economy, including supporting projects that help position small and medium-sized businesses in the region to capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Quotes
“The Government of Canada understands that diverse and dynamic economies create a strong Canada and opportunities for good, well-paying jobs for middle-class Canadians. The crafts sector provides full and part-time employment for people and creates high-quality and marketable products that are uniquely Canadian. This investment in the Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador will help strengthen this sector and the people who work in it.”
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA
“The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador works tirelessly to help develop, nurture and professionalize the craft sector in this province. Its members create stunning products ranging from intricately-designed jewelry pieces to larger-than-life sculptures. They capture the rugged beauty and delicate features of this place, bringing them to life in functional shape and form.”
Nick Whalen, Member of Parliament, St. John’s East
“The Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador is extremely happy to accept the support of the Government of Canada through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). We look forward to continuing the growth of this vibrant creative sector with the support of our partners. Craft professionals in all parts of the province work to support their families and their communities, building businesses and partnerships for the economic and cultural benefit of the province.”
Joan Kane, Chairperson of the Board, Craft Council of Newfoundland and Labrador
Contacts
Paul McGrath
Director, Communications
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Paul.McGrath@canada.ca
Rowena House
Executive Director
CCNL
709-753-2749
rhouse@craftcouncil.nl.ca