Parliamentary secretary to health minister to visit child care centres

Yvonne Jones, MHA - Cartwright-L'Anse au Clair and parliamentary secretary to the minister of health and community services for children's interests, will be travelling the province over the next couple of weeks visiting family resource centres, child care centres, and other facilities offering programs and services to children and families.

"This is a familiarization tour for me," said Ms. Jones, who was appointed to the position of parliamentary secretary in February. "I want to become personally aware of what is currently being provided in Newfoundland and Labrador as it relates to child care centres, both profit and not-for-profit, and the Family Resource Centres."

Ms. Jones' tour begins on October 3 in Happy Valley-Goose Bay where she will meet with representatives of the Early Child Development Association which is a non-profit organization operating three child care centres in the town. She will also drop by the Family Resource Centre located at CFB Goose Bay as well as the Aboriginal Family Resource Centre. On October 4, Ms. Jones will be in Sheshatshui and visit the Manni Ashini Health Centre, the Family Resource Centre, the facility housing the community's recreation facility, and the Women's Centre.

"I want to look at the kinds of programs which are being offered at these centres and how they benefit the community," said Ms. Jones. "I also want to meet with the people who work directly with children."

Government announced in June details on the first-year of a $36.6 million, five-year early childhood development (ECD) initiative. This is the first comprehensive program under the National Children's Agenda which will build on the solid foundation already in place in this province for children, families and their communities. Stepping into the Future, the province's program, has been designed specifically to meet the needs of Newfoundland and Labrador, and is a result of consultation with early childhood stakeholders.

"I want to get a better understanding of where this province is currently making investment into children's programs and services," said Ms. Jones. "As we move forward to implement the first year of our five-year ECD plan, I want to make sure we are meeting the needs of children and their families."

Ms. Jones will be on the Northern Peninsula on October 5 visiting the communities of St. Lunaire-Griquet, Flower's Cove and St. Anthony. The dates and locations of Ms. Jones' visits to other parts of the province will be made known once they have been confirmed.

Media contact: Carmel Turpin, Communications, (709) 729-1377.

NOTE TO EDITORS: To arrange interviews, please contact Carmel Turpin.

2001 09 28                                    3:40 p.m.