WHITE PAPER ON EDUCATION, SCIENCE, AND CULTURE

Republic of Newfoundland — 2020 Edition

Issued by the Ministry of Education
Presented to the House of Assembly, St. John’s — 12 November 2020

PREFACE

Education, science, and culture are the three enduring pillars of the Republic of Newfoundland.
They preserve independence, drive innovation, and express the collective spirit of a people shaped by sea and snow.
This White Paper defines national policy for education, research, and culture in the 21st century — ensuring that knowledge and creativity remain the foundation of sovereignty.

“The nation that teaches its own mind will never borrow its soul.”
— President Dr. Margaret Crocker, Memorial University Address (2020)

1. NATIONAL EDUCATION FRAMEWORK

1.1 The Unified Education Act (2010)

The Republic’s education system is guaranteed under the Unified Education Act, providing universal, tuition-free schooling through the university level.

1.2 Structure

• Primary & Secondary Education: administered by 12 regional boards under national standards.

• Technical Colleges & Polytechnics: unified under the Newfoundland Polytechnic Network (NPN).

• Universities: autonomous, publicly funded, accountable to the Ministry of Education.

1.3 Literacy and Digital Access

Literacy stands at 99.5 %, supported by universal high-speed internet via the Labrador Fibre Spine (LFS).
Each student receives a government-issued digital learning tablet produced domestically through the Avalon Tech Initiative.

2. MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY OF NEWFOUNDLAND

2.1 The National University

Founded in 1925, Memorial University is the Republic’s leading academic institution, with campuses in St. John’s, Corner Brook, and Happy Valley–Goose Bay, serving more than 60 000 students annually.

2.2 Research Leadership

Memorial houses:

• Centre for Cold Regions Engineering and Arctic Science (CCRAS);

• Marine Institute of Newfoundland (MIN), a global leader in fisheries & ocean technology;

• Institute for Artificial Intelligence and Data Sciences (IAIDS), co-administered with the Ministry of Defence & National Security;

• Labrador Institute, integrating Indigenous knowledge and Arctic research.

2.3 International Standing

Memorial ranks among the top North Atlantic universities for oceanography, Arctic engineering, and renewable-energy research.

3. SCIENCE AND RESEARCH POLICY

3.1 National Science Council (NSC)

Established under the Science and Technology Act (2015), the NSC coordinates scientific research across public and private institutions.
Priority sectors:

• Renewable energy and hydrogen systems

• Artificial intelligence and robotics

• Ocean sciences and fisheries sustainability

• Arctic climate research

• Aerospace and defence technologies

3.2 Funding and Sovereignty

All research is publicly funded via the Sovereign Fund and governed by strict data-residency laws.
Foreign ownership of critical research assets is prohibited.

3.3 International Cooperation

Newfoundland partners with Iceland, Norway, and Ireland through multilateral research programs and maintains bilateral science accords with Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

4. CULTURAL HERITAGE AND NATIONAL IDENTITY

4.1 Broadcasting Corporation of Newfoundland (BCN)

Established in 1943, BCN serves as the national public broadcaster.
Programming in English, French, Mi’kmaw, and Inuttitut promotes Newfoundland’s identity and values through domestic and international channels via BCN World.

4.2 National Archives and Museums

The National Museum of St. John’s, Labrador Heritage Centre, and Royal Newfoundland Regiment Museum safeguard the Republic’s cultural memory.
All archives are digitized under the National Heritage Network for public access.

4.3 Arts and Cultural Development

The Cultural Endowment Fund (2018) supports artists, writers, and musicians across the Republic.
Between 2015 and 2020, Newfoundland’s cultural exports doubled, and creative employment grew by 40 %.

4.4 The National Film and Creative Media Industry

A. Origins and Growth

From the 1980s onward, Newfoundland developed a film and television sector rooted in maritime storytelling and independence.
Under the Film and Creative Industries Act (2001) and with the support of BCN, the Republic became the North Atlantic’s leading production hub.

B. The Newfoundland Film Corporation (NFC)

Founded in 2003, NFC manages public investment and oversees the national studio network:

• St. John’s Media Park — flagship complex with full post-production and motion-capture capability

• Corner Brook Soundstage — digital effects and marine simulation

• Goose Bay Arctic Stage — cold-weather and expedition cinematography

Together, these facilities generate ₦ 1.2 billion NFD in annual economic activity and sustain over 5 000 creative professionals.

C. National Film and Television Tax Credit (NFTC)

Credit Type	Rate	Eligibility
Labour Rebate	40 %	≥ 60 % Newfoundland crew or post-production
Services Credit	30 %	Domestic expenditure on goods and services
Green Production Bonus	+5 %	Renewable energy certified on set
Regional Uplift	+10 %	Filming outside Avalon or Labrador urban zones
Post-Production Enhancement	20 %	Domestic VFX, editing, or scoring facilities

The NFTC combines competitiveness with national benefit, ensuring jobs, skills, and sustainability.

D. Co-Production and Export Policy

Newfoundland co-founded the North Atlantic Audiovisual Accord (NAAA) with Ireland, Iceland, and Norway, and maintains treaties with Canada, the UK, and the US.
The National Export Bank of Newfoundland provides insurance and currency stabilization for foreign co-productions.

E. Creative Clusters and Education

The Memorial University School of Media and Performing Arts works alongside BCN and NFC to train filmmakers.
The Newfoundland Digital Arts Accelerator incubates animation, game design, and virtual-production start-ups through the Labrador Fibre Spine.

F. International Recognition

Award-winning films:

• The Light Between Ice and Sea (2018)