September 20, 1999
(Executive Council)

Executive director hired

The Central Region Steering Committee for the province's Strategic Social Plan (SSP) has hired an executive director. Heather Hillier, from Campbellton, will support and assist the steering committee as they carry out their mandate to guide the implementation of the SSP in central Newfoundland. Heather received her undergraduate degree in social work from Memorial University of Newfoundland and a masters degree in social work from Dalhousie.

Julie Bettney, lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan, is pleased to welcome Ms. Hillier to the Central Region Steering Committee. "Heather joins the steering committee after a number of years working directly in community development. The provincial government is pleased to fund this position in support of the efforts of the Central Region Steering Committee. Heather's expertise in developing community services and her academic background will serve to enhance the work already set in motion by the steering committee."

The chair of the Central Region Steering Committee, Walwin Blackmore said: "It is beneficial to have someone with Ms. Hillier's background working directly with the steering committee to facilitate the implementation of the SSP in central Newfoundland.

The Central Region Steering Committee is a major partner with government leading the implementation of the SSP in this region. Work done in the central region will help guide a process for initiating the plan in the remaining regions of the province.

The plan, announced by Premier Brian Tobin in August 1998, is bringing together representatives of government, regional health, education, and economic development boards, Newfoundland Federation of Municipalities and community agencies to address social and economic challenges in their region. The SSP will focus on new and innovative approaches to social development, the coordination of services and link social and economic development efforts. The goal is to support an environment in which citizens participate more fully in their communities.

Work is ongoing to initiate the Strategic Social Plan in two more regions of the province this fall.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Strategic Social Plan, (709) 729-3126.

1999 09 20                      3:10 p.m.