Thus giving us greater business opportunities in issues of time and travel.
St. Johns is the centre of business, research, education and government for the province. It is the metropolitan area, which is home to one-third of Newfoundland's population. Here people are innovative, highly skilled, technologically advanced and globally competitive in areas of dynamic business. Our research and development community, brings us with creative solutions to global challenges. Located within St. John's is one of the most active and innovative R&D communities in Canada as well as Memorial University. Memorial University offers comprehensive programs that are among the finest in the country. In fact, Memorials naval architectural engineering program has been judged to be the best in North America. It also contains our research and testing facilities, which helped support in making Newfoundland and Labrador leaders in particular areas of research and development. Ocean engineering, marine technology, distance education, and telemedicine happen to be areas in which we excel. St. Johns is not only highly skilled and educated, but it is one of the most stable. Low employee turnover and absenteeism rates result in a highly productive workforce. Loyalty is one of the important qualities in which us Newfoundland employers can depend on. .
St. John's waterfront gives us insight to one of the city's other leading industries tourism. The Icelanders for example dock into our St. John's harbour yearly. They do a significant amount of Christmas shopping while in the city. In addition to shopping, the Icelanders recently participated in a tour of the city, a Marine Show, the Christmas Craft Fair, and the annual downtown Christmas parade. Harbour rates are at a extremely high cost perhaps if we reduce harbour rates it would cost less for the daily tourist. Thus increasing tourist rates in our province. Participation in the harbour clean-up is on going project in the St.
