The following statement was issued today by Judy Foote, Minister of Education. It was also read in the House of Assembly:

Community access centres

I am pleased to inform my honourable colleagues that 16 additional Community access centres have been established in nine communities throughout province in the past year. Those communities include Cap St.- Georges, Eastport, Francois, Gambo, Greenspond, McCallum, Upper Island Cove, Westport and St. John�s.

That brings to 121 the total of community access centres in 109 communities in Newfoundland and Labrador. These sites provide public access to the Internet and the guidance to use it effectively. They help Newfoundlanders and Labradorians develop their computer skills, access government information and education programs, and communicate knowledge and ideas with others.

Not only do people throughout Newfoundland and Labrador benefit from this technological resource, but the program also provides jobs for young people. Through the financial participation of the Department of Human Resources and Employment access centres across the province will offer more than 75 new job opportunities. Youth interns and regional coordinators will work for 12 to 14 weeks. Together they will introduce the public to the Internet and how to use it effectively.

Placements within a community access centre offer youth a chance to develop skills in marketing, promotions and research. They will also gain experience in technical and practical skills such as teaching, training, group facilitation and web page design, which are all in very high demand in today�s job market.

The Community Access Program strongly supports the goals of the Strategic Social Plan. A community access centre supports community capacity building. It is a "grass roots" community service run by volunteers and community leaders. It is a powerful new way for communities to improve their social and economic development. By supporting this initiative we are endorsing the efforts of people who are making their communities better places in which to live and work.

Funding for the centres is provided under the Canada/Newfoundland and Labrador Community Access Program. The program is a joint initiative of the federal and provincial governments to help people in communities across Newfoundland and Labrador achieve the economic and social benefits that are available through the information highway. It is part of an initiative by the federal government to make Canada the most connected country in the world.

2000 05 09                                              4:50 p.m.