October 14, 1999
(Executive Council)

Social development groups encouraged to participate in Jobs and Growth Strategy

As government prepares for the initial Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth forum, Julie Bettney, minister for Human Resources and Employment and lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan (SSP), is encouraging individuals and community organizations involved in social development to take part in the public consultation process.

"A strong economy has its foundation in healthy, educated people," said Minister Bettney. "Employment is the most basic link between social and economic development. People in our communities working with social development impact on jobs and economic growth. Therefore, it is crucial that the social development sector participate in The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth forums as they travel throughout the province."

Government acknowledges that the integration of economic and social development is necessary to secure a prosperous future for the province. This development must take place at a community level. The implementation process of the Strategic Social Plan is taking place in central Newfoundland and work is ongoing to bring the plan to two other regions of the province this fall. Simultaneously, The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth is unfolding.

The SSP is bringing together government, regional health, education and economic development boards and community agencies to focus on new and innovative ways to address social and economic issues. The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth is entering into a consultation process to capitalize, in strategic areas, on the economic momentum the province is now enjoying and identify new opportunities for growth.

The first forum on Jobs and Growth will take place on Monday, October 18, 1999 at Hotel Gander at 7:00 p.m. For further information on these public meetings or to register to make a presentation, contact the coordinator of the consultation process at 1-877-729-6440 or 729-6440.

Media contacts:

Catherina Kennedy Kelly
The Strategic Social Plan
(709) 729-3126

Josephine Cheeseman
The Renewal Strategy for Jobs and Growth
(709) 729-4570

1999 10 14                            12:10 p.m.