There are plenty of reasons to consider Newfoundland and Labrador as a location for your new or expanding company. Take a look at each one and see why this province is the right place for business.

A World Class Facility

An accessible, skilled and competitively priced labour force are perhaps the most important factors to consider when making a business location or re-location decision. Newfoundland and Labrador, in eastern Canada, has a labour force of approximately 241,000 that are working or seeking employment. With approximately 3/4 of the available workforce below the age of 40, resident employment recruitment is excellent. Nearly 70% of the available workforce are high school educated or better. The skilled workforce, the polytechnical and the university graduates are especially eager for work that will keep them in the Province. Additionally, there is access to a highly skilled marine industrial workforce now working out of Province that want to live and work right here. Unemployment rates in the Province currently average 20% - a reflection of an inability to find employment versus an unwillingness to work.

A Highly Stable Workforce - Low Employee Turnover - Low Absenteeism
The workforce is composed of both unionized and non-unionized workers. Seventy-eight percent of the private sector is non-unionized (60% of the service producing sector as well). Most recent statistics show that the number of days lost for workers in Newfoundland and Labrador is below the national average - among the lowest in the country at 3.7%. Additionally, the progressive labour relations climate has an excellent track record characterized by high productivity with few strikes and work stoppages. In 1998, there were nine legal work stoppages. To date, 1999, there have been only three legal work stoppages.

Available Work Skills - Competitive Costs
With a surplus labour supply, incoming employers can find the right people - with the right skills - across a broad range of occupations. Overall, Canadian labour at current exchange rates offers substantial advantages to firms that compete internationally. Compared with entry level salaries in the United States, with N.F.'s minimum hourly wage of $5.50 Cdn (about $3.30 US) employers realize immediate savings.

Educated Workforce
Memorial University of Newfoundland, the largest university in Atlantic Canada, and the College of the North Atlantic collectively confer nearly 3,000 undergraduate degrees and diplomas annually. Graduates are trained in a variety of disciplines which include fisheries and marine engineering, education, business, medicine, and information technology.

The Fisheries and Marine Institute, a division of the University, is fully equipped with the latest in computer-aided design, instrumentation and testing equipment offering Computer-Aided Design and Drafting, Marine Electronics, Offshore Safety Training and Industrial Instrumentation programs.

Industrial Training Partnerships
The co-operative environment among education and industry in Newfoundland and Labrador has resulted in some unique training partnerships, real instructional creativity and training excellence. To take advantage of emerging opportunities and demand for training skills, educational institutions work with particular industries and provide the most technologically advanced equipment and training facilities available for that field. Divisions of Continuing Education and Industrial Training Programs are part of each institution's education strategy. These divisions and programs coordinate ongoing apprenticeship programs and advancement training.

The public sector colleges and universities have developed strong programs in science and technology. In turn, these institutions' personnel have been encouraged to cultivate relationships with the private sector, helping to transfer a great deal of specialized knowledge to private industry. Shared expertise has resulted in new business enterprises and technologies. Investors and businesses considering Newfoundland and Labrador can readily access a pool of research and development expertise and world class science and technology facilities.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador offer assistance to employers and trade unions to tailor the skill level of the labour force to your enterprise. Employers may also apply for on-the-job training assistance to offset low levels of productivity associated with newly hired or trained workers.

Available Industrial Infrastructure
Throughout the Province, space is available in over 25 serviced industrial parks and sites which are strategically located close to major seaway, airport and ground transportation systems. The Province's numerous office towers, retail buildings and warehouse facilities meet the needs of virtually any type of business.

Transportation and Communications Infrastructure
Eight major airports, four ice-free seaports and an established modern highway network serve the Province's transportation needs. Businesses in the Province keep pace with the world via a redundant fibre optic network that includes the longest stretch of submarine fibre optic cable in the world. Newfoundland's communications capabilities provide modern networks for any size business, cellular communications packages, credit card processing, video/tele/computer forums and internationally competitive long distance services.

Incentives
There are no specific provincial software or business property tax barriers to business set-up in the Province. Through the Department's Economic Development and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) program, tax incentives are also available to businesses relocating or starting operations in the Province. Through assistance programs aimed at offsetting capital costs associated with start-up and expansion, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Government of Canada ensure capital outlays are not a deterrent to your firm's ability to move to a strategic location.

Opportunity with a Difference - Quality of Life
Businesses locating in the Province have all the amenities and convenience of a progressive modern center, and still enjoy a relaxed pace of life, a clean environment, unique music, arts and cultural events - all combined with a low cost of living. The average household income is $34,036 Cdn ($41,253 Cdn for the provincial capital city - St. John's) - just over $25,000 US. The people of Newfoundland and Labrador are renown for their hospitality and sense of community. With a low per capita crime rate, the Province is one of the safest places to live and raise a family in North America.

Wherever your markets are located, you can access them from Newfoundland and Labrador. We're offering business an Opportunity with a Difference. Expand your global horizons with a competitive advantage... in available workforce... in workforce skills... in productivity... in training... in your bottom line.

Strategic Location and Transportation

Wherever your markets, you can access them from Newfoundland and Labrador. The province is strategically located on the east coast of Canada as the gateway between North America and Europe. The trading patterns with both these continents necessitates modern and extensive air, land and water transportation infrastructure. As a result, businesses operating here are assured convenient transport schedules to all major markets.

Location
Newfoundland is a Canadian province straddling the 47th parallel. It consists of an island, Newfoundland, and the mainland Canada portion of Labrador which borders Quebec, and is home to a population of approximately 539,000.

By Air
There are eight major airports located strategically throughout the province. Of the five located on the island, three are international and are serviced by national and international carriers. Three other airports are located in Labrador. Together, they provide excellent load access as well as regional, national and international connections. In addition, there are numerous secondary airstrips that service remote communities across the province.

Approximate Flying Times

By Water
The majority of the seaports are ice-free year round and are equipped to accommodate regular shipment of a wide variety of cargo. All regularly scheduled marine traffic uses the ports of St. John's and Argentia on the east coast and Port aux Basques and Corner Brook out west. Each of these ports is world-class and has substantial container handling ability.

Approximate Marine Shipping Days to Market

By Land
The Trans-Canada Highway is the major corridor for shipping goods across the province. An agreement between the federal and provincial governments has resulted in a well established and maintained highway network that is second to none on North America's eastern seaboard.

Land transportation routes are well developed in the province and worked by international, national and regional carriers. Combined, these carriers are able to ship any freight worldwide at economical rates.

Approximate Trucking Shipping Days to Market

Everything in the Right Place
- Gateway between North America and Europe
- Eight major airports
- Well-maintained highway network
- Experienced seaports

It`s the right place for your new or expanding business.

Industrial Infrastructure

Should your new or expanding company qualify for Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises (EDGE) status, unserviced industrial lots are available for $1. It`s all part of doing business in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Industrial Network
Newfoundland's industrial park infrastructure offers not only quality space at a reasonable cost, but also quick access to supplies and services, communications infrastructure and established transportation networks. The development of industrial parks is part of an established plan. Each park takes advantage of the strengths of the area and easily accesses essentials such as water, energy and communications. Thus the residents reap the benefits of being in close proximity to one another.

The province also has a number of industrial and manufacturing facilities/sites which are ready to provide businesses with a wide range of services.

Through assistance programs aimed at offsetting capital costs associated with start-up and expansion, the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and the Canadian Government will ensure capital outlays are not a deterrent to your firm's ability to move to a strategic location.

Industrial Park Locations and Type
The provincial crown corporation, Newfoundland and Labrador Housing Corporation (NLHC) owns and operates 17 of the province's industrial parks. The rest are owned by municipalities or private interests.

- Eastern Newfoundland - Industrial parks here are located in St. John's, Mount Pearl, Clarenville, Argentia, Carbonear, and Arnold's Cove all of which are within 1.5 hours of the St. John`s or Gander International airports or 45 minutes of the Trans-Canada Highway. Access to ancillary support, education infrastructure and a diversified labour force make this area an attractive manufacturing site for everything from plastics to high-tech electronics.

- Central Newfoundland - Gander, Grand Falls-Windsor, Lewisporte, Bishop's Falls and Springdale house industrial parks. While forestry, mining and related manufacturing are natural strengths, there are excellent education and training facilities and an international airport in central Newfoundland. Emphasis is placed on aviation support industries and related manufacturing. The region has moved aggressively toward building strengths in light manufacturing.

- Western Newfoundland - Mining and forest resources dominate this area. It is also home to the province's best agricultural land. Corner Brook is the second largest city in the province and has strong pulp and paper and manufacturing industries. Deer Lake and Stephenville have developed around their regional airports. The former has a strong agricultural focus while the latter makes use of its excess airport, seaport and industrial facilities. Hawkes Bay is well situated to consolidate, add value and export the forest, fishery and mining resources of the Great Northern Peninsula. Port aux Basques is the province's ferry link to mainland Canada. Its location and competitive labour rates have helped build core industries of light manufacturing and metal fabrication.

- Labrador - Labrador has two industrial parks, one at Happy Valley-Goose Bay and the other straddles the towns of Wabush and Labrador City. Both have excellent airport facilities and are linked to major highways and railheads in Quebec via the Trans-Labrador Highway. Relative proximity to the huge Churchill Falls hydroelectric development makes for easy access to low cost energy. The area supports major mining and aviation activities.

Commercial Rental Space
A number of industrial parks also lease commercial office space. In addition the province has numerous office towers, retail buildings and warehouse facilities to meet the needs of virtually any type of business.

Industrial Facilities
The industrial facilities have international experience. While each has a unique field of expertise, by using advanced equipment and skilled professionals, all are capable of providing a range of industrial services. The province also has an abundant supply of vacant industrial and manufacturing facilities which were used previously for fish processing. These facilities can be easily converted to other manufacturing or processing applications.

Communications and Energy

Communications
Businesses choosing to locate in the province can look forward to a wide range of services which include telephone networks for any size business, cellular communications packages, video/tele/computer forums and long distance calling packages, all at internationally competitive rates.

Advanced Computer Networks

The province offers access to a number of regional and international computer networks. Provincial telecentres provide on-line access to investment opportunities, statistical information, community profiles, major library indexes, and government procurement and public tendering information.

As part of the commitment to high quality, cost-effective delivery of health care and education to the more remote areas, Newfoundland and Labrador was an early participant in distance education and telemedicine programs. Today it is recognized as world leaders in these areas.

Investments in communications infrastructure have ensured a competitive edge. A local communications firm, NewTel Communications, has invested substantially in a redundant fibre-optic network that includes one of the longest uninterrupted stretch of submarine fibre-optic cable in the world. It is forecasted that urban centers across the province will have interactive services within two years, rural areas within nine. With the expectation that these interactive services will be offered through television, a second and separate $60 million initiative to facilitate these services was announced by Cable Atlantic, the province's largest player in the cable television market.

Consulting Engineering Services
The 125 consulting engineering firms in Newfoundland and Labrador provide traditional and specialized services throughout the province, across Canada and around the world. About half the firms have export experience and others are seeking global opportunities. The greatest export market penetration occurs in North America and Europe, but companies are also active in South America, Africa, Asia and Australia.

Electricity
There are two sources of electrical power: Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro (NLH) which operates generating sites and Newfoundland Power which purchases the majority of its power from NLH.

Whether generated from hydroelectric sites or oil-fired thermal generators, the province has a surplus of power. The power grid is modern and reliable, assuring all businesses get quality three-phase power at competitive rates. Labrador has a tremendous energy surplus from the 5,400 megawatt Churchill Falls hydroelectric development, allowing companies locating to the region access to extremely favourable rates.

Petroleum
The province has one oil refinery at Come By Chance which exports most of its product. The majority of automotive and heating fuels are imported. Distribution of these fuels is controlled by major national and international oil companies.

Competitive Tax Environment

Under the Economic Diversification and Growth Enterprises Program (EDGE), for instance, among other benefits, you can expect 14 years of tax relief. There are other business assistance programs and generous training partnerships that make Newfoundland and Labrador the right place for your new or expanding business.

Companies operating in Newfoundland and Labrador are taxed by the federal and provincial governments on the basis of net income. Municipalities tax business property and/or asset value. Let's take an individual look at these levels of taxation.

Provincial Taxes And Premiums
At this level, businesses remit corporate income tax, health and post-secondary education tax, and workers compensation premiums. Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission premiums are paid by all businesses operating in Canada. These premiums provide income support to workers who are injured on the job and allow your company to avoid carrying independent liability insurance.

Getting the EDGE
Your new or expanding company may qualify for EDGE status should you choose to locate in Newfoundland and Labrador. EDGE is a program that includes attractive tax concessions (and other incentives) that are among some of the most generous being offered in North America.

If a company is making a minimum capital investment of $300,000 or has incremental sales of $500,000 and can create ten new local jobs, it may qualify for:

A 10 full year tax holiday from provincial corporate income tax, health and post-secondary education tax, and municipal tax in participating municipalities.

A further 5 year period, over which these taxes will be phased in at a rate of 20% of the basic rate annually.

Harmonized Sales Tax (HST)
Newfoundland and Labrador's Provincial Sales Tax (PST) and Canada's national Goods and Services tax (GST) are combined to form the 15% Harmonized Sales Tax (HST). It is applied to the same goods and services as the GST. By allowing full imput tax credits to businesses, goods and services (produced within this province) will be more competitive in both local and global markets.

Federal Corporate Taxes and Premiums
The Canadian government assesses a basic federal corporate tax of 29.1% of net income on all businesses. Substantial deductions from this base rate exist for certain sectors. For example, Canada offers a small business deduction of 13.1% on the first $200,000 earned. Businesses not eligible for this can claim a deduction in federal tax payable of 7%.

Companies must also contribute to two employee benefit programs: Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan. Employers must deduct premiums for each of these programs from their employees' pay and make employer contributions.

Provincial Corporate Tax Rates
Newfoundland and Atlantic/Central Canada

Municipal Taxes
Local governments provide a wide range of municipal services and form a tax base from one or both of property tax and business occupancy tax. While property tax rates vary across municipalities, rates are still well below national averages. Towns also meter water usage and administer local waste disposal fees. However, there is an abundance of fresh water in the province so these rates tend to be low. Similarly, landfill sites are not strained and this is reflected in waste disposal rates.

In addition, the EDGE program allows municipal governments to grant qualifying companies a ten year tax holiday from property tax followed by a 5 year phase-in.

Education and Training Programs

Newfoundland and Labrador's post-secondary education and training system (excluding private training institutions) consists of Memorial University of Newfoundland and the College of the North Atlantic. Both are modern facilities, combining the highest standards of instruction with the most advanced learning resources and technologies available. These institutions co-operate with business, labour and government to ensure education and training dollars are spent wisely and that programs meet the needs of industry.

Lifelong Learning is the Key
The importance of lifelong learning in maintaining a productive and competitive work force is recognized. Divisions of Continuing Education and Industrial Training Programs are part of each institution's education strategy. These divisions and programs coordinate ongoing apprenticeship programs, personal interest programs and advancement training.

These schools also have strong research and development programs. Their success has been fostered through strong partnerships with government and business. And, in numerous instances, their expertise has resulted in new business enterprises and technologies.

Memorial University of Newfoundland
Memorial, the largest university in Atlantic Canada has two campuses in St. John`s and Corner Brook. The University also offers courses to outlying areas through its Telemedicine and Educational Technology Resources Agency (TETRA) via video and/or interactive teleconferencing instruction. Through TETRA, Memorial has become a world leader in distance education and telemedicine.

During an average academic year, Memorial educates over 16,000 students and grants approximately 2,200 undergraduate degrees in disciplines ranging from Computer Science to Social Work. The university also offers varied Graduate Studies and personal development courses. It offers ongoing management development training programs and houses one of Atlantic Canada's two schools of medicine.

Fisheries and Marine Institute of Memorial University
A Division of Memorial University, this institution is a distinct entity with specialized offerings. There are two schools: the School of Fisheries and the School of Maritime Studies. Two research and development organizations, the Canadian Center for Fisheries Innovation and the Canadian Center for Marine Communications also reside here.

The school is fully equipped with the latest in computer-aided design, instrumentation and testing equipment. Training in areas such as Structural Design, Computer-Aided Design & Drafting, Marine Electronics and Industrial Instrumentation are offered. With the aid of a world-class ship simulator, the Institute's School of Maritime Studies and the Offshore Safety Training Center provide a full complement of hands-on training for marine crew.

College of the North Atlantic
There are 18 campuses of this college across the province, each offering a full range of programs ranging from one to three years in duration. There is a combined enrollment of approximately 9700 students. Over 700 diplomas are granted each year in fields ranging from automotive technician to management of information systems.

Industrial Training Partnerships
The co-operative environment among education and industry in Newfoundland and Labrador has resulted in some unique training partnerships, real instructional creativity and training excellence.

Lead institution Focus - To take advantage of emerging opportunities, the College of the North Atlantic and other private colleges have agreed to act as a Lead Institution where substantial opportunity and/or demand for training exists. As a lead institution, the college is expected to work with particular industries and provide the most technologically advanced equipment and training facilities available for that field. One college, for instance, has recently developed an international calibre Informatics Program.

Training Assistance
The Canadian Government and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador offer assistance to employers and trade unions to tailor the skill level of the local labour force. As well, through the federal department of Human Resources and Development Canada, employers may also apply for on-the-job training assistance to offset low levels of productivity associated with newly hired or trained workers.

Infrastructure and Human Resources
There is an important link between education and research and development. For this reason, the public sector colleges and universities have developed strong R&D programs. In turn, these institutions' personnel have been encouraged to cultivate relationships with the private sector, helping to transfer a great deal of specialized knowledge to private industry. Investors and businesses considering Newfoundland and Labrador can readily access this pool of R&D expertise.

Stable and Productive Labour Force

Good for Business
Newfoundland and Labrador has progressive labour legislation and an education and training infrastructure that has resulted in a skilled and talented work force. With a surplus labour supply, incoming employers can find the right people - with the right skillsets - across a broad range of occupations. Combine this with some of the lowest labour costs in Canada, and Newfoundland and Labrador becomes an attractive locale for business.

Size and Distribution
The province has a labour force of approximately 236,000 that are working or seeking employment. Approximately half are located in and around the capital of St. John's.

Labour Costs
Labour rates in Newfoundland and Labrador are very competitive among industrialized nations. Overall, Canadian labour at current exchange rates offers substantial advantages to firms that must compete in international markets.

Selected Average Weekly Earnings, Excluding Overtime

Skills Availability
Unemployment rates in the province have averaged 19% in recent years. This drops off dramatically in urban centers. As a whole this rate is a reflection of the inability to find employment versus an unwillingness to work.

For a business looking to locate in Newfoundland and Labrador this translates into a highly stable labour force with low levels of employee turnover and absenteeism. The result is increased productivity and a reduction in training and overtime costs. Employers currently operating in the province can attest to this equation.

A number of the technically skilled workers have been mobile because of the national demand for their skills. However, when an opportunity to work in the province is presented, many return.

Labour Relations Climate
Government, business and labour have collectively been quick to recognize that competing in the global marketplace means cooperation between labour and management. The labour relations climate reflects that realization.

Businesses coming to Newfoundland and Labrador will find a progressive and positive relationship exists between all parties. In fact, private sector work stoppages have reached all-time lows.

The province's Labour Relations Act plays a key role in creating a positive climate. Through legislative amendments aimed at reaffirming the principles of democracy, the labour legislation now acknowledges all stakeholders as equal partners in the labour management process while upholding the fundamental rights of each participant.

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is committed to continual review, update and amendment of the Labour Relations Act, ensuring the province has one of the most favourable labour climates in the world.

Research and Development (R&D) Facilities

Newfoundland and Labrador has been quick to see the importance of research and development (R&D)in commercializing innovative technologies. For this reason, the (R&D) facilities employ internationally recognized professionals and are the most advanced technology available. Government and business are continually working together to build on the expertise of the research centers and ensure the private sector has access to them. Biotechnology, marine sciences, environmental industries, defense and aerospace, and information technologies constitute some of the areas where co-operative R&D projects have led to new business opportunities.

R&D Infrastructure
The R&D facilities have a mandate to work with private companies to develop innovative technologies, provide a training ground for entrepreneurs, assist with technology transfer and embark on cooperative projects. Scientific and technical expertise along with advanced equipment are available to pursue virtually any type of project.

Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN)
Memorial University is the largest R&D center in the province. It has gained a reputation for technology-based R&D and is recognized as a world leader in the field of distance education. MUN is capable of providing R&D services in biotechnology, clinical trials, high-tech electronics, ocean/earth sciences and a full range of engineering disciplines. The university is currently working on clustering a number of high-tech firms and giving them access to its physical resources and technical expertise.

Institute for Marine Dynamics (IMD)
The IMD specializes in marine engineering, aquaculture, offshore structures and sub-sea systems. It is renowned for its ship modelling and scale testing, having designed the hull for Australia's Americas Cup entry in 1993 and tested the design of Hibernia's Gravity Base Structure. Businesses can take advantage of a 90 meter ice towing tank, an engineering basin and cavitation tunnel.

C-CORE
C-CORE specializes in ice engineering, remote sensing, seabed geophysics and geotechnical engineering. The highly qualified staff represent a broad spectrum of academic and scientific expertise, from sciences and engineering to mathematics and computer sciences. It assists with the development of marine resources through education and training, identifying impediments to offshore resource development and transferring technology to the private sector.

Fisheries and Marine Institute (Memorial University of Newfoundland and Labrador)
The Marine Institute plays a dual role of educational institution and research facility. While its activities are predominantly marine-related, the scope of these projects has much wider applications. It houses some of the most advanced equipment in the world including one of only seven flume tanks in existence.

North Atlantic Fisheries Center (NAFC)
NAFC has a mandate to deliver the science and management services for the conservation of fisheries and marine resources. Primarily, NAFC's research projects focus on resource assessment, aquaculture, toxicology and coastal hydrography. Like the other facilities, NAFC is among the best in the world.

Private Sector Innovative Technologies
Because of the strong R&D programs, doors have opened for many private businesses looking to become involved in advanced and innovative technologies. This industry has enjoyed tremendous success and growth over the last eight years, investing $13 million dollars annually in R&D. Many local firms have developed internationally competitive products and generate in the range of $100 million in revenues each year. A full range of industries is represented among the province's innovative technology community, including information technology, marine sciences, biotechnology/medical products, environmental technologies, and defense and aerospace.

Outstanding Quality of Life

Newfoundland enjoys an international reputation as a friendly and hospitable people. Visitors are amazed at the ease with which they can interact with Newfoundlanders. Crime rates per capita are among the lowest in North America, especially for violent crime.

The Best of Both Worlds
Newfoundland and Labrador uniquely blends old world culture with new world convenience. Over 17,000 km of beautiful, rugged coastline provide a backdrop for modern amenities and technology. Modern airports, seaports and roads exist among prehistoric land formations and historical sites. The province provides a high standard of health care and education and a desirable standard of living.

Location and Climate
As Canada`s most easterly province, Newfoundland consists of the island portion and the mainland Canada region of Labrador. Labrador's expanse of pristine lakes, raging rivers and endless mountain ranges make it eastern North America's last untamed frontier. The region's climate sees spring thaw occurring in April with mid-June bringing summer. Highs in summer can reach 30 degrees C and lows in winter have seen -50 degrees C.

The island has a more temperate climate. The east coast, not unlike England, is marked by wind, rain and fog. However a balance is struck by lush greenery, beautiful coastline and picturesque fishing villages. Central Newfoundland is drier, slightly warmer and consists of much wilderness. On the west coast, the Appalachian upheaval has created breathtaking fiords, fertile and scenic valleys and some of the best skiing east of the Rocky Mountains. Summer temperatures on the island typically average between 8 and 22 degrees C; between 0 and -15 in winter.

Lifestyle
The pace is relaxed in Newfoundland and Labrador. Even in the largest centers, you can usually get to and from work in less than 20 minutes. When not working people like to be entertained. Newfoundland's better known music has strong Irish roots and the province supports its own symphony orchestra. Original artists of all disciplines have a strong presence and both provincial and municipal governments support regional Arts and Culture Centers. It's little wonder that major national magazines rate the province as one of the best places in Canada to live for arts and culture.

The pristine environment supports a full range of outdoor activities in winter and summer, including the Royal St. John`s Regatta - North America's oldest sporting event. And indoor recreation programs exist across the province. Dining choices are endless, from the best fish and chips on the continent to a five-star evening out.

Health Care
A publically-funded, universal health care plan guarantees all residents access to services and essential medical procedures. St. John's has health care centers which provide specialized services to the province. In addition, the health care system is linked by one of the finest telemedicine networks in the world.

Education

In the Newfoundland and Labrador school system, regular evaluation against national and international standards ensures that children receive quality preparation for higher learning. Post-secondary institutions offer a variety of career choices at startlingly low tuition rates, by international standards.

Cost of Living

Living expenses are generally lower than or competitive with other parts of Canada.

Cost of Living Factors in Newfoundland

Export Advantage

A Tradition of Trade
Newfoundland and Labrador businesses have been trading internationally for nearly five centuries. The Province has developed experience and innovations that help it bring the seafood, mineral and forestry products to the world. There is global infrastructure to transport goods and services, as well as knowledge and the contacts to access key world markets.

The World at Newfoundland's Doorstep
The General Agreement on Trade and Tariffs (GATT) and the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) have created tremendous opportunities in this province. The Province's trading experience and strategic location offer opportunities to send goods and services around the world.

Keeping Pace
International trade has experienced unprecedented growth over the last 10 years. During this decade, Newfoundland and Labrador has operated in a trade surplus, with exports accounting for 30% of all goods and services produced here. But while trade is important, the province is not wholly dependent on it.

The reduction in global tariffs under the GATT has seen the business community take advantage of new global markets. These opportunities exist in the traditional resource-based industries and in the rapidly growing high-tech sectors. NAFTA has also allowed local businesses to successfully negotiate partnerships and deals in one of the most prosperous trading blocs in the world.

Knowledge is the Key
Knowledge-based industries are playing a key role in the economic development. The research and development facilities and educational institutions are state-of-the-art with wage rates for professionals in these fields remaining competitive internationally. Inroads made in traditional and new markets has meant growth of nearly 15% in the export of goods. From an export perspective, the future looks bright for the non-traditional industries.

Export Profile
Of the province's total exports, 30% are earmarked for Canada. The remainder flows to international markets.

The value of exports average $3.5 billion a year. Goods, primarily resource-based products, account for 80% of this total. Services, such as those associated with transport and communications, account for 20%.

Top 10 Domestic Exports By Country
Newfoundland and Labrador Origin January - December 199

	Country	Thousands of Dollars
1.	United States	1730917
2.	Netherlands	166117
3.	United Kingdom	145860
4.	Japan	100527
5.	Italy	67515
6.	Belgium	54462
7.	China	48143
8.	South Korea	39080
9.	Australia	33284
10.	Taiwan	30303
Total (Top 10)		2416208
All Other		229034
Total (All Country's)		2645242
Source: Statistics Canada January - December 1997 Exports By Country

Location, Location, Location

Newfoundland and Labrador is located between the world's two largest trading blocs, the European Economic Community (EEC) and the NAFTA bloc. With eight major airports and four world-class seaports, there is extensive infrastructure to access these markets and established routes to get your products and services to market on time.

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