November 2, 1999
(Executive Council)

Deadline approaching for Millennium Partnership Funding

Walter Noel, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, is encouraging community groups in Newfoundland and Labrador to apply to the Canada Millennium Partnership Program for funding.

The $145 million Canada Millennium Partnership Program is designed to encourage Canadian citizens to take the lead in developing millennium projects that will include the participation of, and will benefit Canadians locally, nationally or internationally. Through this program, the Government of Canada is proposing to become a one-third financial partner in selected projects.

Funding totalling $127.4 million for 1009 projects under the program has already been announced. The final deadline for the balance of funding is November 30, 1999, and all applications must be received at the Millennium Bureau of Canada by that date.

To date, only 12 projects have been approved for funding in Newfoundland and Labrador, for a total of $1.4 million. This represents only 1.1 per cent of total funding announcements across the country. Newfoundland and Labrador is well positioned to get a better share of the remaining funding.

"With the final deadline for Millennium Partnership funding applications fast approaching, it is important that community groups act quickly if they wish to access this funding," Minister Noel said. "The province has not received an equitable share of funding so far. I encourage community groups to develop innovative proposals and submit them to the Millennium Bureau as soon as possible. We will do all we can to ensure our province receives a more equitable share."

The program will help support projects in which the primary purpose of the activities is to mark the Millennium and that meet one or more of its themes:

(a) celebrate achievement so that Canadians are inspired to know and appreciate our past and to welcome the challenges and opportunities of the future;

(b) encourage Canadians and other peoples of the world to explore our vast country and its natural and cultural diversity;

(c) exchange ideas and approaches that strengthen Canada and that reinforce our position in the world;

(d) support a sustainable environment and new ways of showing our respect for nature while we progress as a leading economy;

(e) stimulate interest in communities, large and small, and bring our youth together to support the evolution of these communities;

(f) advance Canadian innovation that will benefit individuals and communities, contributing to our collective well-being; and

(g) demonstrate, through artistic and cultural expression, our heritage, our way of life, and our aspirations for the future.

Registered Canadian non-profit groups, organizations and associations, or private enterprises at the community, regional, national and international level, may apply. Private enterprises do not need to be non-profit in nature to qualify for Millennium funding; however, the nature and intent of the proposed activity should be non-commercial.

For more information, or to receive an application form, Minister Noel encourages organizations to contact the Millennium Bureau of Canada by dialing toll-free 1-888-774-9999, or by visiting the Canada and the Millennium Web site at www.millennium.gc.ca.

Program information: Millennium Bureau of Canada 1-888-774-9999.

Media contact: Lynette Oates, Communications, (709) 729-4023.

1999 11 02                       2:55 p.m.