Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador fund job creation project in Labrador

June 25, 2003

L'ANSE-AU-CLAIR, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR -Mr. Lawrence O'Brien, Member of Parliament for Labrador, on behalf of the Honourable Jane Stewart, Minister of Human Resources Development, 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 $19,600 for a project in Labrador.

The Basque Whalers Snowmobile Club will receive $4,000 to provide work experience for a coordinator and two trail groomer operators. Participant allowances will be up to $15,600. Activities will include clearing and maintaining the trail between L'Anse-au-Clair and Red Bay. The project will also endeavour to raise awareness of the trails in local and outside markets.

"I am pleased to announce this funding for this community in my constituency," said Mr. O'Brien. "It is important that we build on 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 recreational potential."

"This project will enhance economic opportunities, improve local infrastructure and give the participants job experience, which will help them in their efforts to secure ongoing employment," said Minister Thistle.

The project is being supported under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, through funding provided by Job Creation Partnerships. Job Creation Partnerships supports 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 Human Resources Development Canada, 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 this project was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget.

This project has 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