Premier launches SSP in second region of the province

Today in Corner Brook Premier Brian Tobin launched the implementation of the Strategic Social Plan for the region encompassing Quirpon to Port aux Basques to Francois. "This is an important day for social development in this region," said Premier Tobin. The premier was joined by Julie Bettney, lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan, caucus colleagues and more than 50 representatives of regional boards, municipalities and community-based organizations.

"With the Strategic Social Plan we have embarked on a journey that puts Newfoundland and Labrador in the lead in social development in Canada," said the premier. " This plan will encourage and support an environment that fosters social and economic well being for the long term."

The Strategic Social Plan is a new way of working together at the regional level. The framework was developed to reflect a long term approach to addressing social and economic development, together, on a community and regional basis. A steering committee completed job interviews for a regional planner to develop a strategy to implement the plan in this area. Alicia Sutton, from Corner Brook, a graduate of the Faculty of Social Work of the University of Calgary has been hired in this capacity. Ms. Sutton will assume her new duties with the SSP on March 1.

"The Strategic Social Plan will grow out of the efforts of regional service delivery boards, municipalities, community-based organizations and government working more closely together as partners on an ongoing basis," said Minister Bettney. "The support received today from these partners is very encouraging as we concentrate on implementing the SSP in this new region."

Central Newfoundland was the first region to implement the SSP. A steering committee, similar in membership to the committee in this region, has worked for the last several months to determine the most effective way to engage communities and people in the Strategic Social Plan.

The SSP will be brought to the other regions of Newfoundland and Labrador in the next few months.

Media contact: Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Strategic Social Plan, (709) 729-3126, (709) 685-7224 or  Heidi Bonnell, Office of the Premier, (709) 729-3960.

2000 02 17                                                         11:30 a.m.