PRESS RELEASE



Contact: Viola Pennell
Phone: 709-438-2651
Fax: 709-438-2405


Telecentres - Development Group Concerned



TREPASSEY, NEWFOUNDLAND - The Southern Avalon Development Association (SADA) is deeply concerned with recent statements by Development and Rural Renewal Minioster, Judy Foote, concerning Telecentre closures. The Association is no stranger to government cuts and misguided government intentions for rural Newfoundland. It was only a couple of years ago, Premier Clyde Wells, chastised the then MHA for St. Mary's - The Capes, Fabian Manning, for spreading rumours about government's intent to get rid of rural development associations. We all know who was right on that one. It seems Premier Wells taught Ms. Foote well, as she too is using the same tactics to cover up government plans to close telecentres in rural Newfoundland. Rumours, she says!!! We think not!!!

The Department of Development and Rural Renewal (DDRR) is rolling right along with plans for how rural Newfoundland is to be served in terms of information technology, without any regard for rural people. The Southern Avalon Development Association in Trepassey is sponsor for the Avalon Regional Telecentre in Trepassey and is both dismayed and angered that they have not been consulted regarding future operations.

Telecentres provide one of the few examples of using Information Technology in rural Newfoundland, yet in a press release from the Department of Development and Rural Renewal on March 20, reference is made to providing access to business information only. No reference is made to continuing the work that Telecentres do in promoting the use of Information Technology for economic development. If, as Ms. Foote says, there are plans to move the Telecentres to DDRR offices or public libraries, this move also causes us concern. There is no DDRR office in our zone and our public library is only open for 10 or 12 hours a week. What are the plans to ensure that the existing level of service is maintained? Telecentres are perhaps one of the success highlights in rural Newfoundland and every effort should be made by government to continue to support the present structure.



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