Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador fund three projects in Labrador communities

March 19, 2003

HAPPY VALLEY-GOOSE BAY, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR- Mr. Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development Canada (HRDC), along with the Honourable Anna Thistle, Minister of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced funding of up to $84,702 for three projects in Labrador.

"I am pleased to announce this funding for communities in my constituency," said
Mr. O'Brien. "It is important that we build up our human resources along with our community infrastructure to effectively stimulate economic development for the area. This is the continuation of our efforts to develop Labrador's potential."

The L'Anse au Clair Fishermen's Committee will receive up to $7,264 to provide six weeks' work experience for two people to carry out various renovations to the Fishermen's Stage.

The Central Labrador Economic Development Board will receive up to $33,565 to provide 7 people with 11 weeks' work experience in interviewing, data collection and input on a project that will identify and map coastal resources along the shores of Lake Melville.

Grand River Snowmobile Club will receive up to $43,873 to provide five weeks' work experience for an office coordinator and three trail groomers. Activities will involve maintaining, grooming and promoting the recreational use of the trails in the Upper Lake Melville/Churchill Falls area.
"These projects will enhance economic opportunities, improve local infrastructure and provide job experience to individuals, which will help them in their efforts to secure ongoing employment," said Minister Thistle.

The projects are being supported under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, through funding provided by Job Creation Partnerships (JCPs). JCPs support the creation of incremental and meaningful work opportunities for clients in activities that help develop the community and the local economy. Human Resource Centres of Canada or partner agencies work with employers and community organizations to identify employment opportunities that can provide Employment Insurance (EI) recipients with valuable job experience.

The federal government, as represented by HRDC, and the provincial government, as represented by Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education, are working to help unemployed individuals find employment under the programs and services offered under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement.

Funding for Job Creation Partnerships is provided through the Employment Insurance Act. EI claimants receive their regular Income Benefits and/or income support under EI part II - Employment Benefits, which may be increased by the employer to a local prevailing occupational wage rate. Also eligible are other insured participants, such as clients who have received employment benefits within the last three years, or maternity or parental benefits that started in the past five years.

Funding for these projects was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.

These projects have been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs.

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For information:

Bob Picco, Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-5346

Kathy Dicks-Peyton
Director of Communications
Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education
(709) 729-6573