Liberal leader John Hogan made promises related to the province’s tech sector during a campaign stop today in St. John’s.
Hogan made the announcements at the Innovation Centre on Torbay Road, near Stavanger Drive.
Hogan says the Liberals have set a goal of having the tech sector contributing $2.5-billion to the provincial GDP annually by 2030. In 2023, the sector contributed $1.8-billion.
To reach that goal, the party has committed to creating a Provincial Technology and Innovation Strategy – which will include a review of funding programs, and a policy requiring the province and Crown corporation to prioritize local tech companies when possible.
Hogan says TechNL has already been promoting such a strategy and they have a plan already. He says he will meet with that group after the election, if they form government, to determine next steps.
Hogan also focused on the defence sector, saying Canada and its allies are entering a “dramatically new landscape” when it comes to funding for defense, and this province should be a “critical contributor” to that.
The Liberals are planning to create a task force on defence and Arctic opportunities to that end.
