Liberal Leader John Hogan unveiled a provincial technology and innovation strategy on Tuesday, collaborating with key figures from Newfoundland and Labrador’s tech industry. The plan includes the establishment of new strategies and task forces to support the sector and enhance the province’s involvement in defense. Hogan announced that a re-elected Liberal government would implement this strategy, proposed by TechNL to stimulate growth in the industry. Currently contributing $1.8 billion to the province’s GDP, the tech sector aims to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. Hogan emphasized the crucial role of technology and innovation in boosting all industries within the province, promoting competitiveness, productivity, and employment opportunities.
The proposed strategy involves a comprehensive review to ensure that funding programs align with the sector’s needs, along with centralizing government support with clear and transparent criteria. Additionally, Hogan intends to introduce a policy requiring government and Crown corporations to prioritize local technology partners whenever feasible. Furthermore, Hogan pledged to establish a task force dedicated to enhancing military capacity and infrastructure, investment attraction, and research in Newfoundland and Labrador, positioning the province strategically in national and arctic defense due to its geographical advantages and existing military infrastructure like 5 Wing Goose Bay.
On a separate note, PC Leader Tony Wakeham participated in a Trades N.L. panel discussion, where he reiterated promises such as constructing four new ferries and promoting local construction for megaprojects. Wakeham also committed to expanding skilled trades courses in high school curriculums to address the shortage of skilled workers in the province. Meanwhile, NDP Leader Jim Dinn focused on campaign donations, highlighting the Liberal Party’s reliance on corporate contributions and advocating for a ban on such donations in future elections to eliminate what he refers to as “backdoor politics.”
