Offshore supply ships, the Atlantic Shrike, Atlantic Griffon and Paul A. Sacuta, docked at St. John’s harbour in this file photo. Photo by Keith Gosse /The TelegramArticle contentFor generations Newfoundland and Labrador’s greatest export has been its people. We built Canada’s prosperity from afar, on oil rigs in Alberta, factories in Ontario, in mines across the North, while our own communities faced hollowing out.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentToday, that story must change.Article contentArticle contentPremier Tony Wakeham’s message is clear: the state of our province is strong because our people are strong, and now is the time to build at home.Article contentArticle contentWakeham’s vision aligns with what many of us have long believed: our future lies in strategic investment, job creation, and nation-building. We cannot rely on short-term fixes or one off projects. Instead, we must strengthen our foundation, modernize our energy grid, invest in aging assets like Holyrood and platforms offshore, and unlock the full potential of our major hydro developments. These projects are not just about power or exports; they are about sovereignty and opportunity.Article contentIndustry and our workers are at the heart of this vision.Article contentWakeham is committed to ensuring that NL workers lead the charge on major projects. From hydroelectric development to offshore oil, these initiatives will create thousands of jobs and keep our talent here at home. No longer should “going away” be the only path to a rewarding career. The expertise that built Hibernia, Voisey’s Bay, and the Upper Churchill can now build the next chapter, right here at home.Article contentArticle contentThis is also about positioning Newfoundland and Labrador as a nation-building partner. Our province can help Canada meet its energy security and climate goals. By developing hydro, wind, hydrogen, and offshore oil in tandem, we offer solutions to some of the country’s greatest challenges.Article contentThe country needs to support our large projects as nationally significant, and to invest in defense and infrastructure in our province that leverage our strategic location. But these projects must also advance reconciliation by treating Indigenous Peoples as full partners, respecting rights and creating shared prosperity through equity, jobs and inclusion.Article contentTo those who left, we say: come home. The opportunities you sought elsewhere are now here. To those looking for a new home, we say: come to NL. Join a province where community matters, where innovation meets resilience, and where you can help build a future that strengthens both Newfoundland and Labrador and Canada.Article contentOur next boom won’t be drilled or mined, it will be our people. By bringing our workers home and welcoming new residents, we will create a province that thrives for generations. This is more than an economic plan; it’s a call to action. Let’s harness our strength, invest in our future, and build boldly.Article contentThe time to bring it home is now.Article contentMark F. Cumby, Regional Director, Energy at Hatch Ltd.Article content
OP-ED: It’s time to bring it home building NL’s future
