July 15, 1999
(Executive Council)

The Central Region Steering Committee for the province's Strategic Social Plan (SSP) will hire a planner/facilitator in August. This person will work in the community supporting the work of the steering committee to carry forward their plans to implement the SSP.

People, Partners and Prosperity: A Strategic Social Plan is an overall framework created to respond to the needs and aspirations of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. Representatives of community boards are the major partners who will play a primary role in the process of bringing communities together to improve social, economic and personal well being.

"The Strategic Social Plan is an important initiative that affirms the commitment of the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador to strengthen our social, educational, health and cultural policies," said Julie Bettney, Minister of Human Resources and Employment and lead minister for the SSP. "This latest development is an exciting step forward in supporting the plan and government's desire to work cooperatively with community groups to meet the needs of our citizens." Central Newfoundland is the first area of the province that has partnered with government to establish a structure to implement the Strategic Social Plan. The steering committee held its third meeting in Gander on July 5. At this meeting the committee concluded that the success of the plan would be achieved by involving communities and community groups in decision-making by building partnerships. Delivery of services and planning will be better accomplished by working together.

Elections were held at the July 5 meeting to determine the executive committee. Walwyn Blackmore and Carolyn Andrews will fill the roles of co-chairs while the directors will be Des Dillon, Joy Batstone and David Regular.

To assist the group government sponsored a "round table" discussion in St. John's on June 30 with representatives of the Central Steering Committee, community groups, the provincial government, and the Premier's Council on Social Development.

The steering committee will meet in Grand Falls-Windsor in early August to determine the direction they need to pursue during the coming months to further their input into the social and economic development of the Central Region.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Strategic Social Plan, (709) 729-0168.

1999 07 15         4:10 p.m.