Governments of Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador fund eight Job Creation Partnerships projects in Newfoundland communities

July 9, 2003

HARBOUR GRACE, NEWFOUNDLAND AND LABRADOR-Mr. John Efford, Member of Parliament for Bonavista-Trinity-Conception, 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 totalling $268,603 for eight projects in Newfoundland and Labrador.

"I am pleased to announce funding for these communities," said Mr. Efford. "Projects such as these stimulate economic development by supporting individuals in gaining the skills they need to participate in the work force. This is the continuation of our efforts to develop our province's recreational and tourism potential."

"These projects will enhance economic opportunities, improve local infrastructure and provide individuals with work experience, which will help them to secure ongoing employment," said Minister Thistle.

The Association for Youth and Leisure in Lower Island Cove will receive $12,500 to provide 12 weeks' work experience for nine individuals in creating a multipurpose sports field and walking trails. Participant allowances will total $37,596.

Indian Bay Ecosystem Corp. will receive $8,000 to provide work experience for 12 individuals in Internet research, Web page development, carpentry and landscaping. Participant allowances will total $60,412.

Roadside Seniors Club will receive $1,450 to provide three individuals with seven weeks' work experience to carry out various repairs to the Club's building. Participant allowances will total $8,141.

Bonavista Memorial United Church will receive $2,300 to provide six individuals with 14 weeks' work experience sanding and refinishing the church's seats. Participant allowances will total $14,630.

The Town of Heart's Content will receive $8,692 to provide six individuals with 12 weeks' work experience to renovate and repair the recreation centre. Participant allowances will total $26,076.

Salmon Cove Future Development Association will receive $3,300 to provide four individuals with 20 weeks' work experience in agricultural land preparation activity. Participant allowances will total $27,460.

Eastport Peninsula Sunshine Park will receive $3,000 to provide five individuals with 10 weeks' work experience in carpentry while carrying out trail upgrades, repairs and bridge construction. Participant allowances will total $16,390.

The Tickle Cove Improvement Committee will receive $3,700 to provide eight individuals with 12 weeks' work experience carrying out repairs to the community hall and wharf. Participant allowances will total $34,956.

The projects are being supported under the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Labour Market Development Agreement, through funding provided by Job Creation Partnerships. Job Creation Partnerships 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 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 these projects was provided for in the February 2003 federal Budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

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

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For more 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