News Release 29-09-2003

Government of Canada and Government of Newfoundland and Labrador announce funding for the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce to address local labour market issues

September 29, 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, 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 $40,000 for the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce. The funding will be used to help the Chamber carry out various activities aimed at helping member businesses become better prepared to meet the challenges of the local labour market.

"This Labour Market Partnership contract will enable the Chamber to undertake various functions to help its members deal with business retention and expansion, as well as human resource issues in the Happy Valley-Goose Bay area. To develop and sustain a productive economy, businesses must be prepared to seek and take advantage of all local commercial opportunities," said Mr. O'Brien.

"Funding for this project will go a long way towards ensuring that labour market issues facing businesses in the area served by the Labrador North Chamber of Commerce are dealt with in a coordinated manner. This project will help stakeholders prepare themselves to make the most of local business opportunities and encourage them to take the risks necessary to expand their operations" said Minister Thistle.

The Government of Canada is supporting this project through the Labour Market Partnerships (LMP) program, a support measure of the Employment Insurance Act.

The LMP program encourages communities to take greater responsibility for creating local employment by actively involving community partners. Partners include employers; employees or their associations; provincial, territorial, and municipal governments; non-governmental organizations; health and educational institutions; band and tribal councils; and individuals and groups, among others.

The LMP program allows communities to improve their capacity for dealing with human resources requirements and for implementing labour force adjustments that support long-term job creation. Human Resource Centres of Canada can provide funding up to a maximum of three years under Labour Market Partnerships.

The Government of Canada, 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 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:

Lorne Lambert, A/Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-0141

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