Government of Canada and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador fund stadium renovation project

Date:  November 18, 2003

CENTREVILLE, 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 John Ottenheimer, Minister of the Department of Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education for Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced funding of $13,530 for a stadium renovation project sponsored by the Centreville-Wareham-Trinity Recreation Commission.

The funding will be used to provide 10 weeks' work experience to three individuals to carry out various improvements and repairs to a skating rink. The work will include installing a new puck and kick boards, and a vinyl cap, as well as repairing the roof and painting. Besides undertaking interior repairs, participants will be involved in resurfacing the parking lot and improving the surrounding landscape. Participant allowances will total $10,530 and $3,000 will go towards overhead costs.

"I am pleased to announce this funding for communities in my constituency," said Mr. Efford. "It is important that we build our human resources along with our community infrastructure to effectively stimulate economic development. This is the continuation of our efforts to develop the recreation potential of the Centreville, Wareham, and Trinity areas."

"This project has the benefits of enhancing recreational and sports opportunities, and improving a local facility as well as providing job experience to individuals, which will help them in their efforts to secure ongoing employment," said Minister Ottenheimer.

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

The project has been reviewed to ensure compliance with the Department's administration of its grant and contribution programs.

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For information:

David Earles, A/Regional Communications Manager
Human Resources Development Canada
(709) 772-5346

Nora Daly
Communications
Youth Services and Post-Secondary Education
(709) 729-1906