October 23, 1998
(Development and Rural Renewal)

REDBs discuss Strategic Social Plan

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador is moving forward with implementation of the Strategic Social Plan.

On Saturday, October 24, the chairs and executive directors of the province's 20 Regional Economic Development Boards (REDBs) will meet in Stephenville with Beaton Tulk, Minister of Development and Rural Renewal, and government officials to discuss strategies for integrating social and economic development.

"This is a new way of looking at the work being done by Regional Economic Development Boards and in many cases it will mean a refocusing of how we approach things," said Mr. Tulk. He added that he and officials involved in the government's new Strategic Social Plan will be providing information that will allow REDBs to decide what role they should play in integrating social and economic issues.

"During these early implementation stages it is particularly important that we have a good exchange of information amongst all parties involved," said Minister Tulk, who will participate in Saturday's meeting.

The provincial government released the Strategic Social Plan entitled People, Partners and Prosperity: A Strategic Social Plan for Newfoundland and Labrador on August 31, 1998. The plan sets out a framework for social action and identifies strategic directions, processes, and outcomes to guide the long-term actions of government. It involves regions, communities, and people in an effort to achieve strong social and economic prosperity.

When the plan was unveiled, Premier Tobin emphasized that social change of this magnitude is long-term and will take the commitment and leadership of community and regional stakeholders. He also said the Strategic Social Plan will be phased in over the next two years and that government has committed to social audit five years after the implementation of the plan to measure social development.

Media contact: Scott Reid, Communications, (709) 685-7756,   Clifford Grinling, (709) 729-7066.

1998 10 23                            3:30 p.m.