Minister Thistle presents funding for SSP demonstration project

Anna Thistle, President of Treasury Board and MHA for the District of Grand Falls-Buchans, presented a cheque to Voices of Women - Central Region for their research project, also called Voices of Women.

The funding, in the amount of $27,253, is for a demonstration project under the province�s Strategic Social Plan (SSP). The funding will support the efforts of this group to look at ways to improve access to the services provided by government and encourage women to take leadership roles in their communities. It also supports the work of the regional planner of the Central Regional Steering Committee for the SSP as they continue their work to implement the SSP.

The demonstration projects were awarded on the basis that they support the goals of the Strategic Social Plan by exploring new ways and means for strengthening communities and enhancing quality of life.

"This project is based on the premise that women are the people most likely to access services on behalf of themselves and their families," said Minister Thistle. "The demonstration project will educate women about the Strategic Social Plan, and identify ways women, as leaders, can become active participants in the implementation of the SSP, particularly at the community level."

The Strategic Social Plan is bringing representatives of government, regional health, education and economic development, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Municipalities, and community agencies to the same planning table to address social and economic challenges in their region. The SSP focuses on new and innovative approaches to social development, the co-ordination of services and linking social and economic development. The goal is to support an environment in which citizens participate more fully in their communities.

The plan is being implemented on a regional basis. The implementation of the SSP is underway in Central and was launched in the area encompassing St. Anthony to Port aux Basques to Francois in February. Within several months the plan will be set in motion in all parts of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Media contact:

Catherina Kennedy Kelly, Strategic Social Plan, (709) 729-3126
Carmel Parsons, Treasury Board, (709) 729-6830.

2000 04 17                                                                 10:35 a.m.