Sir, - I am writing in response to the article "Interest in Irish roots continues in Canada" (December 29th, 1999). While both the topic and story were interesting, I feel obliged to correct statements about Newfoundland and Labrador which I believe were misrepresented.
The article referred to the "hard times which have recently befallen the descendants of that community". While our province has indeed had challenges, we have faced them with a determination and perseverance that is now paying off. For the past two years we have led all of Canada in gross domestic product growth, and we are predicted to lead growth again this year. For 1999, Newfoundland and Labrador's growth is predicted to be 4.9 per cent, while Canada's is expected to be only 3.5 per cent, according to a Globe and Mail (national newspaper) report. Additionally, Newfoundland and Labrador recorded the strongest employment growth of any province in Canada last year. As a result of this economic growth, the influential credit agency Standard and Poor's upgraded Newfoundland and Labrador's credit rating from the B category to the A.
The article also referred to Newfoundland and Labrador as "essentially a wilderness country". While we are proud of our pristine wilderness, and beautiful regions, this description does not give an accurate picture of the province. Our economy is improving, we are capitalising on our strengths, and we are succeeding in a diversity of sectors. Production at Hibernia, our first offshore oil site, increased from 23.8 million barrels in 1998 to about 36 million barrels in 1999. Our next project, Terra Nova, is making solid progress, and is set to come on stream in early 2001. This is only the beginning of our enormous potential for both oil and natural gas development. In addition, the production value of fish products increased to a record $950 million last year. We also have an information technology industry that employs over 4,000 IT professionals and generates in excess of $500 million annually. And a record number of tourists, about 400,000, visited our province in 1999, which resulted in approximately $250 million in tourism revenue for the year.
These are just a few areas that have seen strong growth in Newfoundland and Labrador. As government, industry, and private businesses focus on an attitude of partnership, we will continue to develop a strong, balanced economy in our province. We have seen a remarkable turnaround over the past five years - one that we will all work hard to maintain. - Yours, etc.,
Sandra C. Kelly, Minister, Industry, Trade, and Technogy, St John's, Newfoundland.