Strategic Social Plan�s Eastern Region Steering Committee established

The provincial Strategic Social Plan�s Eastern Region Steering Committee is now established. The committee is one of six such committees created under the Strategic Social Plan which was announced in 1998.

The Strategic Social Plan, which grew out of province-wide consultations with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, is a vision for the province developed by its citizens. The vision is of "a healthy, educated, distinctive, self-reliant and prosperous people living in vibrant, supportive communities within sustainable regions."

The Strategic Social Plan is key in forging the essential link between social and economic development and provides a framework for incorporating community needs and priorities in social and economic programs affecting our communities and citizens. Ultimately, the plan, which is unique in Canada and places the province at the forefront of social development in our country, provides an opportunity for a regional voice in the development of government policy through the plan�s regional steering committees.

The Eastern Region comprises the Burin and Bonavista peninsulas, including the Clarenville area east to Chapel Arm. The committee is made up of regional representatives from the boards of Education, Health and Community Services and Regional Economic Development, the College of the North Atlantic, the Federation of Municipalities, Human Resources Development Canada, the departments of Industry, Trade and Rural Development, and Human Resources and Employment, the Discovery Women�s Network and Executive Council. The intent of the regional partners on the committee is to plan integrated social and economic development for the region, to build on regional and community strengths and to involve individuals, groups and communities in the planning and implementation of strategies which will serve to strengthen the region.

Colin Holloway has been hired by the committee as its regional planner. Mr. Holloway comes with a strong background in community services and development. Since starting this position in January 2001, he has met with numerous individuals and groups to develop a social and economic "picture" of the region. This information will assist the committee in developing a regional plan which focuses on strategic priorities, issues and solutions to better integrate services and improve social and economic well being for citizens living in the region. The goal of the committee is to get beyond planning into action strategies and evaluation.

The Eastern Region Steering Committee intends to continue to consult and communicate with individuals, groups and communities as its work progresses in partnership with the provincial Strategic Social Plan.

For further information about the Strategic Social Plan Eastern Region Steering Committee, contact:

Fay Matthews
Chairperson
Eastern Region Strategic Social Plan
Telephone: (709) 466-6319
email: fmatthews@ehcsb.nfld.net

Colin Holloway
Regional Planner
Eastern Region Strategic Social Plan
P.O. Box 220
Clarenville, NF A0E 1J0
Telephone: (709) 466-4166
email: colinholloway@mail.gov.nf.ca

2001 03 28                                           1:40 p.m.