People are N.L.'s greatest contribution to Canada: Rick Mercer

When asked whatNewfoundland and Labrador's biggest contribution to Canada is, television icon Rick Mercer's answer is simple: "people."

"We've given human capital to the country," said Mercer, the host of CBCTelevision'sRick MercerReport.

Our culture has permeated the nation.- Rick Mercer

"At first I thought natural resources, but human capital has to be the biggest contribution," he said. "Newfoundlanders and Labradorians are everywhere. We've always gone away and built a lot of Canada."

That reach goes beyond labour, too. In particular, Mercer said, when "the gift of gab"is a requirement for the job.

"We punch above our weight," he said onCBCRadio'sCrossTalk.

Canadians are more aware of Newfoundland and Labradorbecause of cultural ambassadors from this province, Mercer explained.

"When you tell people you're from Newfoundland and Labrador, they talk about how badly they want to get there and how cool they think it is. They're familiar because of the culture and our cultural ambassadors."

Callers to CrossTalk suggested icons from Newfoundland and Labrador contribute to make Canada whole.

People like Rex Murphy, Mark Critch, Cathy Jones, Shaun Majumder, Ron Hynes, Gordon Pinsentand acts like CODCO and Great Big Sea, add value, they said, to the Canadian landscape.

"When you hear that list of entertainers, I know everyone one of them would say their 'second job' would be an ambassador for Newfoundland and Labrador, because everyone takes it very seriously,"Mercer said.

"Our culture haspermeatedthe nation, the CBC has a fair bit to do with that."

Not just in Canada

Mercer said he encounters people from the provincemaking their markaround the world, too.

"I've had the experience of travelling internationally and bumping in to Newfoundlanders doingtremendous things," he said.

One time while in Shanghai with the Mercer Report, he tried unsuccessfully to get his crew on top of a very tall building.

"This building wasn't even open yet and it was 101 stories tall. At the time the tallest building in the world," he said.

"I wanted to get on the roof of the building, I was thinking if we get up there that would be like the helicopter shot of Shanghai, we need that beauty shot."

Mercer was told it wouldn't happen, and it would take weeks to get an appointment with the person in charge of leasing the building.

As luck would have it, that person was nearby and Mercer walked up and introduced himself.

"And the minute he opened his mouth I recognized the Newfoundland accent. Twenty five minutes later we were on the roof."

Cultural investment needs improvement

Mercer added this province's culture is valued across the country and should get more recognition and support at home.

"The support for arts and culture in Newfoundland and Labrador at the municipal level and at the provincial level is not really there compared to other jurisdictions," he said.

"There needs to be supportfor emerging artists, for existing artists that work in Newfoundland who export their novels, their stories their songs. It's a big part of who we are and it's a big part of what draws people to the shores."